On the Mechanics of Impact Neurotrauma: A Review and Critical Synthesis

A computational modeling technique for the simulation of head impact mechanics is proposed as a tool for the study of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The capabilities, limitations, and consequently the utilities of this technique are discussed in light of the current computing and imaging technologies and their prospective advancement. A significant portion of the mechanics, relevant to head impact simulation, has been incorporated into this computational technique resulting in automated devices that ease the technical burden of biomechanical analysis of TBI mechanisms. A brief exposition of the concepts utilized in these devices is given and their basis in experiment is discussed. Key words: impact; TBI; computational; DAI; hematoma; contusions; vascular