The Role of DTI in Diagnosing TBI
- Holly Wild
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
When someone suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the first—and most critical—question in legal and insurance settings is: Can we prove it? DTI in diagnosing TBI “The bottom line is that there is quite a lot of evidence supporting the use of DTI in detecting abnormalities in the brain,” Ask An Expert.
Traditional scans like CT or standard MRI often look “normal,” even while the patient struggles with memory loss, headaches, mood changes, or cognitive decline.
This gap between symptoms and imaging has complicated TBI cases for years—until the emergence of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) for diagnosing TBI, which can reveal the subtle brain damage other scans miss
That’s where Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) comes in.
What Is DTI?
DTI is an advanced form of MRI that looks beyond the surface. Instead of simply showing brain anatomy, it measures the movement of water molecules along white matter tracts—the “wiring” of the brain.
Damage to these pathways can reveal microscopic brain injuries that other scans miss.
In the context of TBI, DTI can:
Identify hidden injuries that explain symptoms despite normal CT or MRI results.
Support causation by linking structural brain changes directly to trauma.
Strengthen legal cases by providing objective, peer-reviewed science in the courtroom.
Guide care teams in tailoring rehabilitation for better long-term recovery.
Why It Matters in Litigation
Attorneys and insurers often ask: “Is this brain injury real, and was it caused by the accident?”
DTI offers an evidence-based answer. When presented by qualified experts, DTI results can shift a case from “subjective complaints” to objective medical proof—a critical advantage in settlement negotiations and trials.
⚖️ New York Court Cases Involving DTI & Brain Injuries
Brouard v. Convery (2018) – Court rejected DTI evidence, ruling it wasn’t yet generally accepted for diagnosing individual TBI patients.
LaMasa v. Bachman (2008) – Appellate court allowed DTI, finding it scientifically accepted to show traumatic brain injury.
Lee v. Troge (2022) – After a Frye hearing, court admitted DTI scans as reliable proof of brain injury from trauma.
Blake v. NY Central Mutual (2018) – Court accepted DTI evidence, noting strong peer-reviewed support and FDA approval for showing mild TBI.
Augustine v. Harrigan (2025) – DTI was contested at trial; defense raised doubts, and jury sided against plaintiff’s TBI claim.
Beyond the Courtroom
For patients and families, DTI does more than provide legal clarity. It validates what they already know: that their struggles are real, not imagined. By pinpointing the site and extent of injury, DTI also empowers physicians and therapists to craft more targeted treatment plans—offering hope for recovery.
👉 At TBI Center of New York, we use state-of-the-art imaging, including DTI, to help patients, caregivers, attorneys, and insurers get clear answers.
Because when it comes to brain injuries, proof matters.
📞 Call or text us today at (347) 699-7330 to learn more about advanced diagnostic testing.
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