Applying data mining methods to blast-related mild traumatic brain injury

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), or concussion, is one of the most common forms of injury sustained throughout Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Diagnosis is difficult for many of the symptoms are very common and may not manifest themselves immediately after the injury. Many studies on blast-related mTBI have been published from research regarding the current war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Continuous work is underway to more accurately determine its causes and symptoms, as mTBI is considered difficult to diagnose. Using the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) developed data mining software Piranha, an integrative literature analysis was conducted to assist and facilitate possible research on the processes of mTBI. Data were collected from academic databases as well as Piranha´s internet search function. The Piranha categories feature was employed to visualize the areas of overlapping research regarding manifestations of mTBI relating to the biological processes and behavioral changes. Piranha was also used to review current research on mTBI, including animal testing on mice and swine. The integrated results from these data mining analyses revealed areas that could be studied further, as well as a clearer indication of the specific processes of mTBI. This research provides a fresh perspective on one of the war´s most common and yet least understood injuries.