Abstract #3420

Mao H, Ni C, Scheibel R, Goldstein F, Ravichandran T

We used a combined fMRI and DTI approach to investigate the white matter damage and related changes of brain activation pattern in patients with diffuse brain injuries. Ten of 12 TBI patients showed reduction of FA in the selected frontal regions compared to those of controls. Some patients further exhibited asymmetrical reduction of FA in the frontal regions. The N-back working memory task led to the greater activation in patients as compared to the healthy controls. 8 patients showed positive correlation between DTI and fMRI results, i.e., increased activation areas and more bilateral presentation in N-back working memory tests.