Systems Biology, Neuroimaging, Neuropsychology, Neuroconnectivity and Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

The patient who sustains a traumatic brain injury (TBI) typically undergoes neuroimaging studies, usually in the form of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In most cases the neuroimaging findings are clinically assessed with descriptive statements that provide qualitative information about the presence/absence of visually identifiable abnormalities; though little if any of the potential information in a scan is analyzed in any quantitative manner, except in research settings. Fortunately, major advances have been made, especially during the last decade, in regards to image quantification techniques, especially those that involve automated image analysis methods. This review argues that a systems biology approach to understanding quantitative neuroimaging findings in TBI provides an appropriate framework for better utilizing the information derived from quantitative neuroimaging and its relation with neuropsychological outcome. Different image analysis methods are reviewed in an attempt to integrate quantitative neuroimaging methods with neuropsychological outcome measures and to illustrate how different neuroimaging techniques tap different aspects of TBI-related neuropathology. Likewise, how different neuropathologies may relate to neuropsychological outcome is explored by examining how damage influences brain connectivity and neural networks. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic changes that occur following TBI and how best to capture those pathologies via different neuroimaging methods. However, traditional clinical neuropsychological techniques are not well suited for interpretation based on contemporary and advanced neuroimaging methods and network analyses. Significant improvements need to be made in the cognitive and behavioral assessment of the brain injured individual to better interface with advances in neuroimaging-based network analyses. By viewing both neuroimaging and neuropsychological processes within a systems biology perspective could represent a significant advancement for the field.

Concussion As a Multi-Scale Complex System: An Interdisciplinary Synthesis of Current Knowledge

“…A recent series of articles in this journal calls attention to ways in which TBI can be studied from this perspective ( 123 ). A review by Bigler ( 124 ) in this series discusses a systems approach for examining the TBI spectrum, with a particular focus on how neuroimaging may inform multiple levels of inquiry. Here, we apply systems science methods to better understand injury pathophysiology and recovery in concussion.…”

“…This is the level at which an individual experiences the concussion as it plays out in time and awareness, through symptoms such as headache or disorientation. Dysfunction of networks in concussion influences psychological, emotional, and cognitive states, causing such problems as memory and language impairments, mood disruptions, and gait/balance issues ( 37 , 47 , 124 ). For example, changes in networks subserving the sleep/wake cycle manifest in felt experience as noticeable disturbances in attention, cognition or mood, as reflected in the hypothetical case examples shown later in Figure 3 .…”

“…Such system behavior can be counterintuitive and difficult to predict. Most statistical analysis methods cannot easily account for non-linearity, which may partly explain why TBI research has yet to discover measures that accurately predict outcome ( 124 ).…”

A systematic review of cross-sectional differences and longitudinal changes to the morphometry of the brain following paediatric traumatic brain injury

“…Alterations in brain structure occur after TBI but also as a part of normal development. TBI is defined as a neurological condition in which a traumatic external force to the brain leads to deformation of tissue, resulting in cellular or tissue damage which can cause transient or permanent functional impairment (Bigler, 2007, Bigler, 2016; Maxwell, 2012). TBI can result in the compromise of vasculature and physiology of the brain (Bigler, 2001) as well as resulting in trauma-induced cell loss (Bigler, 2013).…”

Military Brain Science – How to influence future wars

“…For these questions, we can use wearable nerve signal detection technology, voltage-sensitive molecule and nano-fluorescent probe technology, body fluid nerve marker detection technology, various behavioral assessment and detection software, and various brain function and nerve imaging methods. 8 , 9 , 10 We should monitor brain fatigue, monitor the brain decisions of individuals in special and sensitive posts, continuously monitor individuals with brain trauma and perform other forms of brain function monitoring and assessment.…”