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Abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging seen acutely following mild traumatic brain injury: correlation with neuropsychological tests and delayed recovery

  • Diagnostic Neuroradiology
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Abstract

Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is a common reason for hospital attendance and is associated with significant delayed morbidity. We studied a series of 80 persons with MTBI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological testing were used in the acute phase and a questionnaire for post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and return to work status at 6 months. In 26 subjects abnormalities were seen on MRI, of which 5 were definitely traumatic. There was weak correlation with abnormal neuropsychological tests for attention in the acute period. There was no significant correlation with a questionnaire for PCS and return to work status. Although non-specific abnormalities are frequently seen, standard MRI techniques are not helpful in identifying patients with MTBI who are likely to have delayed recovery.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroradiology, Hope Hospital, Salford, M6 8HD, UK

    David G. Hughes & Alan Jackson

  2. Department of Behavioural Medicine, Hope Hospital, Salford, M6 8HD, UK

    Damon L. Mason & Elizabeth Berry

  3. Medical Statistics Unit, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK

    Sally Hollis

  4. Department of Emergency Medicine, Hope Hospital, Salford, M6 8HD, UK

    David W. Yates

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  1. David G. Hughes
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  2. Alan Jackson
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  3. Damon L. Mason
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  4. Elizabeth Berry
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  5. Sally Hollis
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  6. David W. Yates
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Correspondence to David G. Hughes.

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Hughes, D.G., Jackson, A., Mason, D.L. et al. Abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging seen acutely following mild traumatic brain injury: correlation with neuropsychological tests and delayed recovery. Neuroradiology 46, 550–558 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-004-1227-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-004-1227-x

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