Repeated exposure to shock waves can leave lasting impressions on the brain, affecting its functionality even if changes aren’t visible on standard scans, new research has found. Researchers from Harvard Medical School studied 212 US special operations forces members with a history of blast exposure, comparing them to healthy controls and those with low levels of exposure.
The study revealed noticeable differences in functional connectivity between regions of the brain, which appeared alongside symptoms of higher severity, including memory problems, emotional difficulties, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This suggests that repeated trauma weakens the brain’s internal communication.
Using advanced MRI scans and statistical models, the researchers detected “invisible” injuries that don’t show up on normal scans. These findings led to a predictive model with 73% accuracy in spotting brains exposed to high blast levels. The study also found increased size of certain brain regions in more-exposed individuals, which may reflect long-term tissue changes.
The research provides a more comprehensive understanding of how trauma leads to brain connectivity changes and clinical symptoms. It highlights the importance of detecting hidden signs of trauma, even when the brain appears normal, potentially opening routes for earlier detection, better treatment, and improved assessments.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/hidden-abnormalities-discovered-in-the-brains-of-elite-soldiers