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Cambridge Researchers Highlight Potential of DTI MRI in Improving Concussion Care
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Cambridge have demonstrated that a new MRI technique known as Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) could significantly enhance the ability to predict long-term symptoms in concussion patients. Concussions, the most common form of brain injury globally, are typically assessed using CT scans, which detect abnormalities in fewer than 10 percent of cases. However, up to 40 percent of patients discharged after a concussion continue to suffer from debilitating symptoms like fatigue, memory issues, and headaches for years.
“Concussion is often seen as a hidden disease. Without objective evidence like a scan, patients’ symptoms are frequently dismissed or ignored,” said Dr. Virginia Newcombe, an Intensive Care Medicine and Emergency Physician at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, who led the study.
The DTI MRI technique measures the movement of water molecules in brain tissue, producing detailed images of the brain’s white matter tracts. This provides a more comprehensive assessment of brain injuries that are often missed by traditional CT scans. According to the study, DTI scores improved the predictive accuracy for poor outcomes in concussion patients from 69 percent to 82 percent.
The research, which analyzed data from over 1,000 patients, also investigated the role of blood biomarkers—proteins released into the bloodstream following a head injury. Although biomarkers alone were insufficient for accurate predictions, certain proteins, such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light (NFL), were found to be valuable in identifying patients who could benefit from a DTI scan.
“Given the significant impact of concussion symptoms on individuals’ lives, the use of DTI for more accurate assessments is urgently needed,” Dr. Newcombe emphasized.
The Cambridge team is now focusing on how to integrate DTI into routine clinical practice and further exploring blood biomarkers to develop simpler and more practical predictors for concussion outcomes. This advancement holds the potential to transform the way concussions are diagnosed and managed, ultimately improving the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.
