Fluid-structure interaction analysis of cerebrospinal fluid with a comprehensive head model subject to a rapid acceleration and deceleration.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Closed brain injuries are a common danger in contact sports and motorized vehicular collisions. Mild closed brain injuries, such as concussions, are not easily visualized by computed imaging or scans. Having a comprehensive head/brain model and using fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations enable us to see the exact movement of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) under such conditions and to identify the areas of brain most affected.

RESEARCH DESIGN

The presented work is based on the first FSI model capable of simulating the interaction between the CSF flow and brain.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

FSI analysis combining smoothed-particle hydrodynamics and high-order finite-element method is used.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The interaction between the CSF and brain under rapid acceleration and deceleration is demonstrated. The cushioning effect of the fluid and its effect on brain are shown.

CONCLUSIONS

The capability to locate areas (down to the exact gyri and sulci) of the brain the most affected under given loading conditions, and therefore assess the possible damage to the brain and consequently predict the symptoms, is shown.