Article

Deterioration of motor function is one of several clinical
manifestations following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and
adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between white matter (WM)
integrity using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and motor functioning in young TBI
patients. METHODS: A group with moderate to severe TBI (n = 24) and a control
group (n = 17) were scanned using DTI along with standard anatomical scans. Using
ExploreDTI software, WM regions/tracts that carry efferent output (motor) from
the brain were evaluated, as well as the corpus callosum, brainstem, internal
capsule, and subcortical WM structures. Motor function was assessed using the
Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC), consisting of manual dexterity,
ball skills, and static and dynamic balance items. RESULTS: TBI patients were
less successful on the M-ABC than the controls and showed lower WM fractional
anisotropy (FA) in the corpus callosum, anterior corona radiata, corticospinal
tract, and cerebellum. Decreased FA was associated with lower motor performance
in the TBI group but not in the control group. CONCLUSION: This study provides
evidence for a structural alteration of motor pathways and regions in children
and adolescents with TBI that are correlated with motor functioning. Further
studies may be able to identify therapeutic targets and monitor the effects of
new interventions.

Langue : ANGLAIS