New Technology May Improve Diagnosis, Treatment of Individuals Suffering Traumatic Brain Injuries

A new test program, which is being run by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), in partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center, is utilizing a whole-body simultaneous positron emission topography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The emphasis and central focus of  the Biograph mMR will be to improve the diagnosis and treatment of military service members and civilians suffering primarily from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The imaging technology was purchased through CNRM, a Department of Defense-funded collaboration between the USU and the NIH to carry out research in TBI and PTSD that would benefit the servicemen and -women returning to then-Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center (now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center). Researchers at the NIH Clinical Center also will use the Biograph mMR in studies with patients with other brain disorders, cardiovascular disease and cancer. To read more about the test program and the technology, click here.