Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex injury that can have both immediate and long-term effects, ranging from headaches and cognitive impairment to physical disability and depression. To better understand the full spectrum of brain injury outcomes, researchers are increasingly using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), which provides information on brain tissue metabolism. MRS measures the concentration of specific metabolites, such as N-acetyl aspartate and glutamate, which can help identify brain injury and inform treatments. As research continues to expand in this area, MRS may prove to be a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing TBI.
A recent study aimed to comprehensively analyze magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) research on traumatic brain injury (TBI) across all severities, considering factors such as brain region, injury severity, time since injury, age, and sex. The study included meta-analyses of N-acetyl aspartate, creatine, choline, glutamate, and myo-inositol, which are commonly studied metabolites in TBI. The researchers compared metabolite levels in people with TBI with those in control groups and examined factors that may influence those levels. They found that:
- N-acetyl aspartate was consistently decreased in TBI of all severities.
- Choline and myo-inositol were increased with moderate and severe TBI, but not mild TBI, and the changes were moderated by various injury characteristics and demographic factors.
- Glutamate + glutamine and creatine were largely unchanged but did exhibit some alterations.
- Brain regions, tissue composition, injury severity, time since injury, age, and sex were found to be moderators of metabolite alterations.
This study highlights the potential of MRS as a tool for assessing brain injury and its effects on brain metabolites. Moving forward, researchers can use the findings to refine MRS techniques, explore other brain regions and tissue types, and investigate potential biomarkers for different stages and severities of brain injury.
Joyce JM, La PL, Walker R, Harris AD. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Traumatic Brain Injury and Subconcussive Hits: A Systematic Review and Meta–Analysis. Journal of Neurotrauma. (2022).