Mass spectrometry imaging of rat brain lipid profile changes over time following traumatic brain injury.

•MSI allows the in situ mapping of molecules directly from tissues.•Brain images showed changes in most lipids classes 3 days after TBI.•Signaling lipids such as increase in ceramides increased as early as 1 day after the injury.•More diffuse lipid changes are observed outside of the injured area.•Ceramides, diacylglycerols and cholesteryl esters are good biomarkers for TBI.