DBSI to Detect Occult Neurological Injury

Research program employing Diffusion Basis Spectrum Imaging (DBSI) to detect spinal cord injuries that are not visible with traditional imaging methods, providing critical information for early intervention and potentially improving patient outcomes through advanced neuroimaging techniques.

Illustration of repetitive head injury, showing diffuse brain injury, cervical spine degeneration, blood brain barrier breakdown, microglial activation, excitotoxicity, and impaired axonal transport — Repetitive head injury: diffuse brain injury and cervical degeneration alongside blood brain barrier breakdown, immune activation, excitotoxicity, and impaired axonal transport. Illustration by C. M. Brown, 2025.

Mission

To employ Diffusion Basis Spectrum Imaging (DBSI) to detect spinal cord injuries that are not visible with traditional imaging methods, providing critical information for early intervention and potentially improving patient outcomes through advanced neuroimaging techniques.

Research Program Overview

Working with Sheng-Kwei Song, PhD, we are employing Diffusion Basis Spectrum Imaging (DBSI) to detect spinal cord injuries that are not visible with traditional imaging methods. DBSI offers a detailed view of the spinal cord’s internal structure, identifying tissue damage and inflammation types. This technique is crucial for uncovering hidden injuries, providing critical information for early intervention, and potentially improving patient outcomes.

DBSI allows imaging with higher specificity for injury compared to conventional MRI and DTI techniques. Our team is currently validating prior research efforts conducted in mice to humans, building upon the foundational work conducted in the Song Lab. This advanced imaging approach represents a significant advancement in our ability to detect and characterize occult neurological injuries in spine trauma patients.

Clinical Translation

This technique is crucial for uncovering hidden injuries, providing critical information for early intervention, and potentially improving patient outcomes. Our research focuses on translating advanced DBSI imaging techniques from research settings into clinical practice to enhance diagnostic capabilities for spine injury patients.

Primary Research Areas

Occult Injury Detection: Advanced diffusion MRI techniques for detecting spinal cord injuries not visible with traditional imaging methods
Tissue Characterization: Detailed analysis of tissue damage and inflammation type identification using DBSI metrics
Early Intervention: Development of biomarkers for early intervention and improved patient outcome prediction
Comparative Analysis: Comparative imaging analysis between DBSI and conventional DTI techniques for enhanced specificity
Translational Research: Translation of proven mouse model techniques to human clinical applications
Fraction Analysis: Comprehensive analysis of non-restricted, restricted, and fiber fractions in tissue microstructure

Methodology

Our research program utilizes state-of-the-art DBSI imaging protocols to quantify different tissue components including non-restricted, restricted, and fiber fractions. We employ advanced image processing techniques to analyze DBSI metrics including apparent diffusion coefficients and fractional anisotropy measurements that provide detailed insights into tissue microstructure. The methodology includes comprehensive validation studies comparing DBSI findings with conventional MRI and DTI imaging, histological correlation studies, and longitudinal tracking of injury progression. We collaborate with the Song Lab to translate proven mouse model techniques to human clinical applications, ensuring robust scientific validation of our imaging protocols.

Research inquiries

For collaboration or media inquiries about this program, contact the institute directly.

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