Characterization of bilateral frontal lobe cerebral oxygen saturation in patients with mild traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND

There is clear evidence of the potential for long-term neuro behavioral and cognitive sequelae following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Although the source of these persistent behavioral and cognitive issues is unclear, several studies have suggested a cerebral vascular disorder is a likely contributor.

PURPOSE: Measure and compare cerebral blood oxygen saturation values in frontal brain lobes of subjects with and without a history of mTBI.

METHODS

Bilateral frontal brain lobe blood oxygen saturation was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy in mTBI and non-brain injured subjects while alternately breathing room air and a mildly hypoxic gas mixture.

RESULTS

Subjects with a history of mTBI displayed a significantly different trajectory of change in their cerebral oxygen saturation values during exposure to mild hypoxia compared to controls.

DISCUSSION: The finding confirms and adds to previous research that indicates there is likely a vascular component to this mild form of brain injury.