Resting State Networks and Their Associations with Cognitive Functions in Traumatic Brain Injury: An Integrative Review
Madhumathi P C, Visvanathan Krishnaswamy, Rajeswaran Rangasami, Rimjhim Agrawal, Vijayalakshmi Purushothaman, Varadharajan SivaramanBackground
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant global health concern resulting in persistent physical, cognitive, and social impairments that affect daily functioning and quality of life. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) has emerged as a valuable neuroimaging modality offering novel insights into brain function at rest.
Summary
This integrative review synthesised evidence from studies indexed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus on resting-state network (RSN) alterations and their association with cognitive dysfunction in TBI. Consistent alterations in functional connectivity were identified across multiple RSNs in TBI population, particularly within the default mode network (DMN), frontoparietal network (FPN), and salience network. DMN connectivity showed strong associations with attention, processing speed, and memory. FPN connectivity changes corresponded with executive function deficits, while sensorimotor network disruptions were linked to attentional impairments. Dynamic longitudinal changes in network connectivity further suggested underlying neuroplasticity mechanisms.
Key Message
Resting-state functional connectivity demonstrates as a potential sensitive biomarker for TBI diagnosis, prognosis, and rehabilitation monitoring. With implications for individualised rehabilitation, these findings highlight the need for a network oriented approach for understanding, diagnosing, and treating TBI. Future research should explore longitudinal changes in RSN connectivity and their implications for neuro-rehabilitation strategies.