Effects of Low-Level Blast on Neurovascular Health and Cerebral Blood Flow: Current Findings and Future Opportunities in Neuroimaging.

Low-level blast (LLB) exposure can lead to alterations in neurological health, cerebral vasculature, and cerebral blood flow (CBF). The development of cognitive issues and behavioral abnormalities after LLB, or subconcussive blast exposure, is insidious due to the lack of acute symptoms. One major hallmark of LLB exposure is the initiation of neurovascular damage followed by the development of neurovascular dysfunction.

Neurological Effects of Repeated Blast Exposure in Special Operations Personnel.

Exposure to blast overpressure has been a pervasive feature of combat-related injuries. Studies exploring the neurological correlates of repeated low-level blast exposure in career "breachers" demonstrated higher levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin (IL)-6 and decreases in IL-10 within brain-derived extracellular vesicles (BDEVs). The current pilot study was initiated in partnership with the U.