Microstructural Brain Changes and Their Impact on Motor and Cognitive Functions After Hemorrhagic Stroke: A NODDI-Based Study

Motivation: Current clinical practice monitors macroscopic changes in hematoma and edema through CT and MRI, research on microstructural injuries is limited. Goal(s): Our study aims to use NODDI to evaluate microstructural changes post-ICH and their impact on motor and cognitive functions. Approach: We enrolled 36 ICH patients, categorizing those with an mRS score >2 as having poor motor function prognosis, and calculated ICVF, ODI, and ISOVF from NODDI across brain regions. Results: Damage to white matter in the affected hemisphere is correlated with short-term motor function impairments, whereas damage to deep gray matter in the same hemisphere is associated with declined cognitive outcome. Impact: Early stage of ICH may result in the disruption of microstructural integrity within brain tissue.