Neuroimaging of mild traumatic injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global public health problem and is a leading cause of disability, morbidity and death in children and adults in USA It is characterised by alteration of neurological, behavioral and cognitive function as consequence of biomechanical insulte and possible progression to chronic encephalopathy. According to the CDC, approximately 75% of all reported TBIs are considered mild in form. Mild TBI is defined as individuals who had head trauma with subsequent mild deficit on the GCS and thu are frequently observed in military combat, athletes and motor vehicle accidents. Clinical assessment of mTBI is difficult and therefore different neuroimaging techniques have been used to characterized different stages of the disease. This article reviews the utility of imaging while focusing on the emerging applications of advanced MRI studies and PET in TBI.