Using 3T Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to Assess the Long Term Effects of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Lisa Maria Harris¹, Phil Dean¹, Annette Sterr¹

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) typically induces a set of symptoms, including poor memory, collectively referred to as Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS). A combination of a working memory task and magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used in a study to investigate the link between metabolite alterations, PCS symptoms and working memory ability in mTBI participants at least one year post injury. Lactate showed a significant positive correlation with PCS symptoms, this is usually elevated in the acute phase. There was also a trend towards high lipids and macromolecules in those with more PCS symptoms.