PET-MRI in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury (CTBI)

The purpose of this project was to create a comprehensive, extensive, longitudinal diagnostic evaluation of cTBI patients. The evaluation uses a battery of neurocognitive tests, laboratory levels of specific inflammatory compounds, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) using Fluoro deoxyglucose (FDG) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) at baseline and follow up. Participants were evaluated initially with PET, and then at approximately 3 and 6 months to determine the time course of changes within the brain associated with the integrative medicine approach. Three groups of participants were enrolled in the study: a control group, an anti-inflammatory diet group, and an N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) group; NAC is the N-acetyl derivative of the naturally occurring amino acid, L-cysteine. NAC is a common over-the-counter supplement that is also available as an injectable pharmaceutical that protects the liver in cases of acetaminophen overdose. Laboratory studies have displayed some benefits in use of NAC to reduce markers of oxidative damage, protect against cell death, and to increase glutathione in blood, which might be useful in preventing oxidative damage in cTBI patients.

Amendment:

The investigators have amended the original protocol to add a new arm. The purpose of this sub-study is to 30 enroll subjects who have physiological and/or psychological (depression and/or anxiety) symptoms associated with cTBI. Enrollment in this arm of the study would allow for re-enrollment of participants from who still have persistent anxiety, depression symptoms or distress associated with TBI after completing the first phase of this protocol (referenced above). Participants would be evaluated (or re-evaluated) with a battery of neurocognitive tests, including SUDS, NET, and biofeedback measures anxiety levels and receive baseline PET-MRI imaging and follow up functional MRI, neurocognitive tests, including SUDS, NET, and biofeedback measures.

In addition to assessing symptoms associated with TBI, subjects will receive five sessions of Neuro-emotive Technique to address ongoing mood and anxiety symptoms and is conducted by a trained practitioner with clinical credentials in mental health. Subjects who have participated in the initial study will be re-consented if enrolled in the Neuro Emotive Technique Substudy. The investigators will also enroll new subjects with TBI to be enrolled in the NET substudy cohort. In order to gain a greater understanding of the NET program to evaluate whether it reduces anxiety and affects the physiology of the brain in persons with TBI, we believe the potential benefits outweigh the risks. A prescreening interview will be conducted that inquires about current and past treatment for the TBI. In addition, a brief Subjective Units of Distress discussion will assist to determine the extent to which the subject is experiencing distress from TBI or its effects. Upon (re) enrollment and after the completion of the NET sessions. To assess the level of distress, subjects will receive a pre and post biofeedback testing evaluation that measures heart rate variability (HRV) and galvanic skin resistance (GSR) in conjunction with recollection of distress. Pre and post NET blood draw and blood plasma and serum analysis will provide addition information to measure inflammation and immune function for participants in the NET substudy.

Inclusion criteria

• Individuals with a history of TBI and complaints of persistent symptoms including cognitive impairment, emotional disturbances, headache, or other symptoms associated with TBI
• Age 18-80 years old
• Patients had no other pre-existing history (i.e. prior to the TBI) of significant medical, neurological, or psychological disorders such as schizophrenia or active substance abuse.
• Minor, stable health problems that should have no substantial effect on cerebral blood flow will be allowed (i.e. controlled hypertension, medication controlled diabetes)
• Able to give informed consent and willing to complete the study
• Patients will be allowed to be taking medications or supplements at the initial intake, but they must be on a stable dose regimen for at least 1 month
• Women of childbearing potential will confirm a negative pregnancy test NET Substudy: Anxiety and/or distress associated with TBI or TBI symptoms by measurement with Subjective Units of Distress, and biofeedback screening

Exclusion criteria

• Previous brain surgery.
• Cognitive impairment with significant impact on activities of daily living and/or a score on the Mini-Mental Status examination (or similar) of 25 or lower
• Intracranial abnormalities that may complicate interpretation of the brain scans (e.g., stroke, tumor, vascular abnormality affecting the target area).
• Pregnant or lactating women.
• Enrollment in active clinical trial/ experimental therapy within the prior 30 days.
• Any pre-existing medical conditions that may interfere with cerebral function.
• Subject is unable or unwilling to lie still in the scanner (i.e. due to claustrophobia or weight > 350 pounds)
• Subject has metal in their body or other reason that they cannot undergo magnetic resonance imaging.

Additional exclusionary criteria for the NAC arm:

• Patients taking medications that might interact with the NAC involved in this study will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the PI or study physician.
• Patients that have a history of uncontrolled conditions, e.g.: diabetes, asthma, gastroesophageal reflex disease, or thyroid conditions