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The Full Story

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)

The DTI technique was first introduced by Peter Vasser in 1994 and should not be confused with a regular MRI scan. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is an MRI technique that looks at the movement of water molecules in the brain and it creates images of the connections between different parts of the brain.

Single dti mri Brain scan .jpg

With a regular brain scan structural white matter can be seen however, the direction of different connections of the brain cells cannot be detected.

This is why a DTI scan is necessary.

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The DTI isolates water movement within the brain, which allows doctors to isolate regions that are not functioning properly.

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 The brain has two types of tissue: gray and white matter. White matter contains long fibers which connect different brain cells.

These cells, called neurons communicate with one and another which allow us to do the following:

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  • Create and store memories.

  • Control movement.

  • See, speak, and hear.

  • Interact with, and interpret the world around us.

​Neurolmaging plays a critical role diagnosing subtle or delayed symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Another term for concussion is traumatic brain injury (TBI); these can be caused by a hit to the head or a jolt which causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. The most commons causes of TBI are motor vehicle accidents, assaults, sports-related injury, or slip and falls. Diffusion Tensor Imaging can be used to diagnose concussions and assist in further monitoring the following:

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  • Most sensitive technique to determine acute stroke.

  • Finding areas where there is swelling or damage in injured tissues.

  • Identifying damaged nerve tracts: When there's an injury, water leaks from these tracts.

  • Connecting a patient's symptoms to the findings of a DTI scan; this helps physicians understand what's happening in the brain.

  • Brain injuries take much longer to fully heal which is why signs could be demonstrated within weeks, months to a year of the incident/accident.

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What most people don't realize is that a concussion including the mild one's (where you do not pass out can cause lasting consequences. A concussion is a mild injury to the brain that disrupts how the brain normally works. Usually it's caused by a sudden blow or impact to the head.

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*Please note, you do not have to be knocked out or lose consciousness to have a concussion.

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Brain dti tractography algorithm.jpg

A Diffusion Tensor Imaging can tell us if there are restriction/abnormalities.

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The tractography algorithm (which makes it 3D) below maps out the course of nerve fibers of the brain.

Meaning of each color for the direction of flow water molecules in axons. A DTI scan demonstrates white matter pathways as multi-colored fibers.

 

​Red - Left to Right Green - Front to Back Blue - Up and Down

 

If a patient is involved in personal injury case and demonstrates symptoms of a traumatic brain injury the following action must be taken:

  • Do not ignore mild symptoms although they might be inconsistent.

  • Communicate symptoms to treating physician and attorney.

  • Have proper testing done regular MRI and/or DTI

  • Provide any prior reports/images on MRI brain scans done in the past.

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*Remember a regular MRI brain may demonstrate normal results which is why it is encouraged to proceed with Diffusion Tensor Imaging.

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Diagnosis of TBI has traditionally relied on selt-report and neurological testing. Initially, patients may experience headache, amnesia, nausea, slurred speech, dizziness, in-coordination, and emotional discomfort.

Most will recover in a matter of days, but some experience symptoms weeks, even months later. These lingering sequelae include cognitive, sensory, somatic, and affective components. Collectively they are referred to as post-concussive syndrome (PCS) which is why it is imperative a patient obtains a DTI scan and pay attention to the symptoms.

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Nothing causes feelings of anxiety for most people like the unknown, especially when it comes to medical testing. So when you require a diagnostic test for one of your patients, you can rely on Empire Imaging for a quick and comfortable experience; even for small children and people who are subject to claustrophobia.

Your patients will feel secure and confident in the hands of our experts who are well-trained in getting the results you need while ensuring the most pleasant experience available

today.

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