MECHANISMS OF IMPACT HEAD-INJURY

A review of research on brain trauma mechanisms operative during head impact is presented from a clinically relevant biomechanical perspective. Emphasis is placed on microscopic mechanisms, gleaned from isolated neural tissue and cellular biomechanics research, and their relation to macro sale mechanisms observed in head injury victims and in experimental physical model experiments. Experimental and clinico-pathologic research, past and ongoing, substantiating the centripetal theory for concussive brain injury is also reviewed in the context of recent advancements in computations biomechanics of head injury brought about by the expanding availability of high speed super computers and brain imaging. A synopsis of our current computational research activities in head impact simulation is presented and some preliminary results are cited.