Magnetoencephalography for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are leading causes of sustained physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral deficits in the general population, active-duty military personnel, and veterans. However, the underlying pathophysiology of mTBI/PTSD and the mechanisms that support functional recovery for some, but not all individuals is not fully understood. Conventional MR imaging and computed tomography are generally negative in mTBI and PTSD, so there is interest in the development of alternative evaluative strategies. Of particular note are magnetoencephalography (MEG) -based methods, with mounting evidence that MEG can provide sensitive biomarkers for abnormalities in mTBI and PTSD.

Keywords: Functional connectivity; GABA-ergic; Gamma wave; Posttraumatic stress disorder; Slow wave; Traumatic brain injury.