Oscillatory default mode network coupling in concussion

Even a single concussion can cause long-lasting changes in how brain networks communicate with each other, potentially explaining persistent cognitive complaints. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to measure neural connectivity in 20 males with concussion and 20 without, the study found increased resting connectivity in the default mode network (DMN) and motor network across alpha through gamma frequency bands. These connectivity increases were linked to symptoms, but only the DMN's increased coupling remained associated with symptoms after accounting for depression, anxiety, and ADHD. The findings suggest that concussion disrupts the intrinsic coupling of specialized brain networks, which may underlie a range of persistent symptoms.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background Concussion is a common form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Despite the descriptor ‘mild’, a single injury can leave long-lasting and sustained alterations to brain function, including changes to localised activity and large-scale interregional communication. Cognitive complaints are thought to arise from such functional deficits. We investigated the impact of injury on neurophysiological and functionally-specialised resting networks, known as intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs), using MEG. Methods We assessed neurophysiological connectivity in 40 males, 20 with concussion, 20 without, using MEG. Regions-of-interest that comprise nodes of ICNs were defined, and their time courses derived using a beamformer approach. Pairwise fluctuations and covariations in band-limited amplitude envelopes were computed reflecting measures of functional connectivity. Intra-network connectivity was compared between groups using permutation testing, and correlated with symptoms. Results We observed increased resting spectral connectivity in the default mode and motor networks in our concussion group when compared with controls, across alpha through gamma ranges. Moreover, these differences were not explained by power spectrum density (absolute changes in the spectral profiles within the ICNs). Furthermore, this increased coupling was significantly associated with symptoms in the DMN and MOT networks – but once accounting for comorbid symptoms (including, depression, anxiety, and ADHD) only the DMN continued to be associated with symptoms. Conclusion The DMN network plays a critical role in shifting between cognitive tasks. These data suggest even a single concussion can perturb the intrinsic coupling of functionally-specialised networks in the brain and may explain persistent and wide-ranging symptomatology.