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Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been put forth as “an equalizer“ for its ability to detect the presence of different injury sub-types and to group subjects on the basis of pathology. The CNS team will continue to develop and refine our already advanced methods of detecting TBI pathology, while leveraging these capabilities to improve outcomes.
Our methods include two core imaging strategies: Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging (SWI) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). See the clear advantage of these methods compared to the traditional “Flair” MRI in the red circled areas below:
The image at the right shows a comparison of a traditional MRI technique, FLAIR (a), to an SWI image (b). Both images were taken of the same patient. Note the visible ‘gaps’ in (b) that would have gone undiagnosed were a clinician to use only (a). The SWI image is possible through the use of algorithms that differentiate the densities of adjacent tissues. While signal density forms the basis of all MRI scans, including (a), the SWI scan (b) is 3-to-6 times more sensitive as it accounts for the susceptibility of all brain elements, including hemorrhages – hence, the name susceptibility-weighted image. SWI is clinically appropriate in the diagnosis of: TBI, Tumors, Stroke and Hemorrhage, MS, Vascular Dementia, Sturge-Weber disease, and other brain disorders.
DTI is appropriate for imaging the brain’s neural tracts for signs of injury or disorder. DTI works by measuring the diffusion of water through tissue. Measurements are isolated to identify the preferred direction of flow, which allows for the isolation of neural tracts from the brain’s white matter.
DTI is the most sensitive MRI approach currently available and can be used to identify tract-specific lesions caused by TBI.
In one study, DTI scans found tumors, hemorrhages, and obstructions in 63 of 179 patients that were undiscovered using traditional MRI scans.
Not only does CNS specialize in the use of advanced imaging techniques, such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) to assess diffuse axonal injury and Susceptibility-weighted Imaging (SWI) to identify blood clots and hemorrhages, CNS now offers another component to objectify brain injury — Brain Volumetric Analysis (BVA). BVA uses four brain atlases that are widely accepted in the medical field for their validity and reliability. Collectively, the atlases cover more than 230 brain region volume measurements and cortical thickness measurements in the left and right hemispheres, cortical and subcortical structures, white and gray matter areas, basal ganglia structures, and brainstem.
MRI and CT images are two-dimensional. For a truly impactful imaging presentation, a brain viewed in three dimensions can provide a more comprehensive picture of injury location and the extent of brain injury. CNS now has the potential of providing “rotating 3-D images” highlighting areas of the brain that differ from a cohort of subject without brain injury. To learn how to obtain a 3-D image of a given subject’s brain, reach CNS at 313-228-0930.
Dr. Benson and his team strive to develop more effective diagnosis and treatment for brain disorders.
We provide innovative resources and hope to caregivers, survivors, and professionals.
Our mission is to develop more effective diagnosis for brain disorders (e.g. Traumatic Brain injury and stroke) through the use of advanced MRI methods, which provide unprecedented understanding of normal brain function and disease.
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