Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adolescents and adults can result in cognitive, emotional, behavioral and neurological deficits that can persist more than a year after an injury. The current preliminary study used 3D magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) and comprehensive neuropsychological assessment to determine if prolonged cerebral metabolic and cognitive alterations occur in individuals with persistent neurocognitive deficits following a mild TBI (mTBI). The current study evaluated the potential interactions between cerebral metabolism and neuropsychological performance, coping style, mood, and perceived quality of life in mTBI subjects with chronic post-concussive symptoms. The mTBI subjects performed worse than controls on neuropsychological measures, endorsed poorer mood and reported significantly poorer perceived quality of life than healthy controls. Additionally, cerebral metabolic differences were found between groups as well as significant interactions between neuropsychological performance and cerebral metabolism. The current findings may potentially guide future research to more eagerly strive to understand possible ways to alter cerebral metabolism, possibly through medication, diet, or other behavioural changes.

LLU Discipline

Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Ropacki, Susan A.

Second Advisor

Bartnik-Olson, Brenda

Third Advisor

Haerich, Paul

Fourth Advisor

Vermeersch, David A.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

January 2013

Date (Title Page)

9-1-2013

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Brain injuries; Trauma; Brain - metabolism;

Subject - Local

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury; Cerebral metabolism; Neuropsychological performance

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

108 p.

Digital Format

Application/PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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