The use of diffusion tensor imaging, an advanced neuroimaging technique, has once again been found by a Massachusetts court, to be a reliable diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of a traumatic brain injury. In the case of Craffey v. Embree Construction Group, a Norfolk trial judge rejected defendant’s motion in limine to strike plaintiff’s expert, Randall Benson, M.D. and to preclude his testimony regarding his use and interpretation of diffusion tensor imaging. In denying the defendant’s motion, the trial court found:

DTI is a well-established and reliable tool to identify conditions in the brain. In line with the science, Dr. Benson may not testify that DTI proves brain injury, but may testify that DTI results are consistent with brain injury and, along with other medical evidence, is part of the puzzle leading to a diagnosis of brain injury. Without limitation, this expert will assist the jury, has sufficient qualifications, is based upon reliable principles and applying those principles in a reliable manner to the particular facts of this case.

This decision is in line with multiple decisions that have been rendered by trial and appellate courts throughout the United States, finding that diffusion tensor imaging is a valuable tool. While one cannot make a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury solely upon abnormalities seen on DTI, as this court found, DTI nevertheless is a valuable tool along with her medical records, history and physical examination in leading to and making a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury.