New Member - Question about MRI with DTI
 

Hi Everyone. I've been lurking for a bit and appreciate the information that has been shared so freely on this board.

Nearly a year ago I was rear ended by a large truck in a minor accident that left me feeling disoriented. A few weeks later, I was rear ended again with a much more forceful impact where I temporarily blacked out. I ended up with a concussion and was eventually diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome. It's nearly a year and I'm still dealing with symptoms and I no longer seem to be improving.

I read that an MRI with Diffusion Tensor Imaging can show the damage caused by a concussion. I don't have health insurance, so I'm wondering if anyone knows how much that kind of test costs?

Also, I was wondering if anyone who has had an MRI with DTI feels that the information gained is worth the expense. In other words, does it really show where the problem is or is the reading very subjective?

Thanks!

Even if some damage did show up on any test... what would be gained?
If you need some proof of injury for a lawsuit or claim, that might be one reason to seek this testing.. But an atty should be handling that part of things, cost could be added to the claim/suit..

Otherwise, How would this test make for better healing or better treatment plans?

Hi pcs_man

Welcome to NeuroTalk :).

This fairly technical article is the most recent that I can find about Diffusion Tensor Imaging in the context of PCS Diffusion Tensor Imaging Findings in Post-Concussion Syndrome Patients after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review .

Echoing what Jo*mar wrote, there does not seem to be any evidence that it leads to improved treatment options.

Best wishes.

Yes, I am interested because it looks like a cost effective way to objectively show the injury in court. I don't anticipate any treatment value.

The place I called quoted me $6k, but the test from this facility is very detailed as it will tell you the the fractional anisotropy of each white matter tract and whether it is below/above normal or normal. If you are involved in a lawsuit, this would probably be THE test to get.

DTI (Quantitative): An advanced MRI procedure for evaluation of Concussions | Doctors Imaging | MRI, Ultrasound, CT Scan, X-Ray, PET-CT in Metairie

DTI for Traumatic Brain Injury - YouTube

Is there any benefit to getting the test done? Not in terms of treatment as far as I know.