Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Compared to Serum Biomarkers and Standard Clinical Measures of Concussion in Female and Male Collegiate Athletes: a Longitudinal Survey Across the College Years.

This proposal seeks to study Diffusion Tensor Imaging and functional MRI of the brain at 1) baseline, 2) after concussion and 3) at the end of an athlete's college career. Findings will be compared to standard clinical measures already performed in the management of concussion at the University of Florida Athletic Association and to serum biomarkers already being obtained as part of a UF/ Banyan Biomarker Study. As in the biomarker study, UF athletes on teams with higher incidences of sports related concussion; men's football, women's soccer, and women's lacrosse will be offered enrollment.

Longitudinal examinations will allow identification and quantification of concussive DTI findings as comparisons can be made to the individual athlete's baseline data. This will provide valuable correlation of imaging findings with severity of clinical symptoms at the time of injury and also with timing of return to play.