A concussion causes diffuse axonal injury (DAI), an injury condition that is not visualized on a routine brain MRI or CT scan even if contrast dye is used. To assess DAI, a specialized test such as a brain MRI-DTI must be done in order to demonstrate the microstructural injury that has occurred. The diffuse nature of DAI interferes with network functions in the brain and causes cognitive and emotional problems, balance problems, sleep disorders, visual function problems and more.

Fiber tract analysis of localized DAI can be done in specific areas of the brain such as corpus callosum (connects the right and left hemisphere of the brain), the temporal lobes (responsible for memory), thalamus (sleep-wake cycle) and other areas. Although rehabilitation may restore some functions by rewiring and re-networking, if we do not heal the brain injury itself, the patient is set up for early neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Imaging is easy. Those who have had concussions in their lifetime and are concerned should consider having the study done.