Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), what happens to key brain structures? This study compares fornix cross-sectional area and hippocampal volume in TBI subjects to normal controls, revealing significant atrophy in both structures. Determining the extent and correlation of this atrophy aids in understanding the neurological consequences of TBI and its impact on memory. The study included 86 TBI subjects and 46 normal controls. The TBI group exhibited a significant reduction in both fornix area and hippocampal volume. The severity of the initial injury correlated with the degree of atrophy observed in both structures, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship. A modest correlation between fornix size and hippocampal volume implies potentially independent injury mechanisms. The correlation between hippocampal volume and the General Memory Index score from the Wechsler Memory Scale–Revised highlights the functional significance of hippocampal atrophy in TBI. This research provides valuable insights into the neuroanatomical changes associated with TBI and their impact on cognitive function, with implications for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies.
This research, published in Learning & Memory, aligns with the journal's focus on the neurobiological basis of memory and learning. The study's investigation of fornix and hippocampal atrophy in TBI contributes directly to understanding the structural changes associated with memory impairment, a key area of interest for the journal's readership. The correlation between hippocampal volume and memory performance further enhances the paper's relevance.