Mri factors associated with cognitive functioning after traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Traumatic brain injury represents a significant social and economic challenge impacting individuals worldwide. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between cognitive performance following traumatic brain injury and various magnetic resonance imaging parameters. A thorough search was performed across multiple databases, identifying English-language peer-reviewed studies published from 2019 to 2024. Eleven studies, comprising a diverse array of magnetic resonance imaging techniques and cognitive assessment domains, met the inclusion criteria, with a total sample size of 1,200 participants. The analysis revealed that reduced cerebral blood flow in grey matter is commonly observed in individuals with traumatic brain injury and correlates with the severity of cognitive deficits. Additionally, both diffusion tensor imaging and structural magnetic resonance imaging indicated white matter abnormalities, including decreased complexity and volume loss, which are linked to impairments in executive functions and memory. Advanced imaging techniques, such as perfusion magnetic resonance imaging, have further illuminated regional blood flow abnormalities and their association with cognitive impairments post-injury. These findings underscore the potential of advanced magnetic resonance imaging evaluations to enhance understanding and prediction of cognitive deficits following traumatic brain injury, suggesting that MRI-based biomarkers may improve clinical outcomes for affected individuals. Future research is essential to validate these findings and optimize the clinical application of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating and treating traumatic brain injury.