Diffusion weighted imaging and neuropsychological correlates in adults with mild traumatic brain injury

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is increasingly being used as a research tool in mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). This article reviews the concepts of diffusion tensor imaging, neuropsychological testing and results to date when applied to mTBI in adults. DTI is being used in conjunction with neuropsychological and electrophysiological measures to provide improved structural/functional correlations of mTBI. Future directions and applications of DTI in mTBI research are suggested.

Research highlights
► DTI is receiving increasing usage in developing structural/functional correlation in mild TBI.
► Studies suggest that FA measures correlate with severity of injury and symptoms.
► Variability of definitions used for mTBI makes comparison between studies difficult.
► Patients without symptoms may not show altered DTI values after mTBI.