Medical Physics Seminar – Monday, February 15, 2010
Imaging to Improve Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosis and Treatment
Reed Selwyn, Ph.D., LT, MSC, USN
Associate Professor, Radiology and Radiological Services
Translational Imaging Facility, CNRM
Uniformed Services University of the Heatlh Sciences
Bethesda, Maryland
In the United States, mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a significant civilian and military health concern with an estimated 1.2 million people annually sustaining a brain injury classified as ‘mild’. These mild brain injuries result in cognitive and behavioral deficits without detectable changes in brain structure or neurophysiological function. More sensitive imaging techniques that can detect subtle changes in structure and function are required to accurately diagnose patients and to evaluate treatment outcomes. In addition, these novel imaging techniques combined with new preclinical models of TBI will provide methods to mimic brain injury mechanisms, assess new diagnostic protocols, and evaluate novel drug and rehabilitation regimens.