Human brain mapping
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Human brain mapping · Jan 2016
DBSproc: An open source process for DBS electrode localization and tractographic analysis.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective surgical treatment for movement disorders. Although stimulation sites for movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease are established, the therapeutic mechanisms of DBS remain controversial. ⋯ In this paper, we explain our methodology and provide validation with anatomical and tractographic data. This method can be used to help investigate mechanisms of action of DBS, inform surgical and clinical assessments, and define new therapeutic targets.
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Human brain mapping · Jan 2016
White matter abnormalities are associated with chronic postconcussion symptoms in blast-related mild traumatic brain injury.
Blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common injury among Iraq and Afghanistan military veterans due to the frequent use of improvised explosive devices. A significant minority of individuals with mTBI report chronic postconcussion symptoms (PCS), which include physical, emotional, and cognitive complaints. However, chronic PCS are nonspecific and are also associated with mental health disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ⋯ These white matter abnormalities were significantly associated with physical PCS severity even after accounting for PTSD symptoms, but not with cognitive or emotional PCS severity. A mediation analysis revealed that mTBI + LOC significantly influenced physical PCS severity through its effect on white matter integrity. These results suggest that white matter abnormalities are associated with chronic PCS independent of PTSD symptom severity and that these abnormalities are an important mechanism explaining the relationship between mTBI and chronic physical PCS.