Biomarkers and neuroimaging techniques to detect blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI)

Detection of blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) is discussed by looking at potential biomarkers of injury and current neuroimaging techniques. Due to the nature of bTBI, the focus is placed on military populations. Biomarkers of injury that have demonstrated pre-clinical potential include glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), myelin basic protein (MBP), S-100b and neuron specific enolase (NSE). The application of neuroimaging techniques to the evaluation and management of patients who have suffered bTBI is presented. Additional translational research is needed to study the effectiveness and efficiency of using biomarkers of injury and neuroimaging techniques in the evaluation and management of patients with suspected exposure to bTBI