The Dynamically Changing Default-Mode Network Functional Connectivity After Concussion in Sports

David C. Zhu¹, Randy Pearson¹, Jeffrey Monroe¹, Sally Nogle¹, Scarlett Doyle¹, Doozie Russell¹, Christine Liszewski¹, Albert Aniskiewicz¹, Michael Shingles¹, Douglas Dietzel¹, Michael Andary¹, J. Kevin DeMarco¹, David Kaufman¹

Resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) was applied to understand the dynamics of functional connectivity of the default-mode network and other networks after concussion. It is still unclear if a dynamic recovery process as shown by rs-fMRI is still occurring even after neuropsychological tests return to normal. However, our pilot data clearly demonstrate that rs-fMRI can potentially serve as an important and sensitive tool to monitor the dynamically changing brain function after sports related concussion, and to further our understanding of brain alteration not revealed by neuropsychological and conventional clinical imaging techniques.