A 2-D Analysis of Strains at the Interface Between the Brain and the Skull

<p>Rapid deformation of brain tissue caused by skull acceleration is one of the most significant causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although the deformation mechanisms within the brain have been revealed by analysis of tagged magnetic resonance images, the mechanical responses at the periphery of the brain remain uncertain due to challenges associated with interpreting those data quantitatively. In the present study, we applied a new strain estimation algorithm that enabled the first tracking of strains on the periphery of the brain. After validating the technique on a tagged gel phantom, we applied it to images of the brains of live human volunteers undergoing controlled head deceleration. Results revealed strain concentrations at the brain-skull interface that are mediated both by the shape of the skull and by the connective tissue that anchors the brain inside the skull. Strain magnitudes were elevated in the sub-arachnoid space, and strain concentrations were evident near the<em> falx cerebri</em>. Additionally, we found that strain magnitudes at the brain-skull interface were increased in skulls with regions of relatively high curvature. Taken together, these first quantitative maps of mechanical fields at the periphery of the brain show key roles for skull shape and brain tethering in the response of the brain to acceleration, and suggest that brain-skull interfaces are a factor in determining an individual’s response to head acceleration.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science

Year dc:date.available

2017

Author dc:creator

• Arcot, Kashyap

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Philip V Bayly
• Guy M Genin, Phd Philip V Bayly, Phd Amit Pathak, Phd

• Brain Skull Strain Fields Traumatic Injury
• Biomechanics and Biotransport
• Engineering

Statement dc:rights

• I have not registered my thesis with the U.S. Copyright Office, and do not intend to.

Language dc:language

English (en)

Identifier

https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/eng_etds/232

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openscholarship.wustl.edu:eng_etds-1234