In a new study, researchers are using a novel technique to map the damage caused by concussions, in hopes that someday they will be able to accurately predict which patients are at-risk for long term neurological consequences.

Concussions are high variable injuries that have a wide range of potential symptoms.  While most people recover from concussions with no ill effects, as many as 30 percent suffer from permanent impairment such as a change in personality or difficulty concentrating.

Dr. Michael Lipton, who made headlines last December with a study that found soccer headers may lead to brain damage, has been using a brain imaging technique known as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to analyze the unique patterns of brain abnormalities caused by concussions.

"People with concussions have tremendous variability in symptoms or problems," explained Lipton, who is also the associate director of Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center at Albert Einstein College of Medication and medical director of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services at Montefiore Medical Center.