Even mild TBI patients with negative CT and MRI may experience persistent post-concussive symptoms (PCS) and declined cognition more than 3 months post injury. In this prospective study of regional brain volume changes in mTBI patients, we found progressive thalamic atrophy from acute to chronic stages post injury, especially within the patient group that showed persistent PCS at 6 months. Thalamic volume atrophy also correlated with cognitive fatigue and processing speed within the same symptomatic mTBI group. Further studies on vulnerability of the thalamus may provide more insights into TBI recovery and lead to potential Therapies.
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