Impact of Massive Trauma on Brain Structures: MRI Volumetric Analysis Post-February 6 Earthquake

Background: This study aims to investigate the impact of the February 6 earthquake on brain structures, particularly mood centers, using MRI volumetric analysis. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 20 neurology clinic patients who were treated at a neurology clinic and underwent brain MRI both before and after the earthquake (2022–2023). MRI scans were analyzed within one year prior to and after the disaster. Patient data included age, gender, MRI indications and medical history. Inclusion criteria required participants to have experienced headaches but excluded those with neurodegenerative diseases, head trauma, or other structural brain pathologies. The volBrain method was used to assess total brain, white and grey matter, cerebrospinal fluid, limbic system (hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, amygdala, hypothalamus, cingulate gyrus, entorhinal cortex), pref-rontal cortex, cerebellum, and thalamus via 3T MRI T1 sequences. All participants had experienced first-degree relative loss or home destruction. Results: The study group comprised 65% women and 35% men, with a mean age of 42.15 ± 8.41 years. Significant volumetric changes were observed in several brain regions post-earthquake. White matter volume decreased significantly (p=0.011), while CSF volume increased (p=0.017), and total brain volume showed a significant reduction (p=0.025). The cerebellum exhibited significant volume reductions, inclu-ding total volume (p=0.023), as well as the right (p=0.021) and left hemispheres (p=0.029). Similarly, the thalamus demonstrated significant reductions in total volume (p=0.008), right hemisphere (p=0.009), and left hemisphere (p=0.010). Conversely, the posterior cingulate gyrus (PCgG) showed significant volume increases in total (p=0.007), right (p=0.023), and left hemispheres (p=0.012). Conclusions: The findings reveal significant volumetric changes in specific brain regions suggesting neurobi-ological effects of acute stressor trauma caused by the earthquake. These changes highlight the need for further studies to understand the mechanisms underlying these alterations and to develop interventions aimed at mitigating the long-term effects of such traumatic events. Keywords: Limbic system, Mrı volumetric analysis, Earthquake, Disaster, Massive trauma, Neuroimaging