Infant brain subjected to oscillatory loading

Abstract

Past research into brain injury biomechanics has focused on short duration impulsive events as opposed to the oscillatory loadings associated with Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). A series of 2D finite element models of an axial slice of the infant head were created to provide qualitative information on the behaviour of the brain during shaking. The test series explored variations in subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) thickness and geometry. A new method of CSF modelling based on Reynolds lubrication theory was included to provide a more realistic brain-CSF interaction. The results indicate that the volume of subarachnoid CSF, and inclusion of thickness variations due to gyri, are important to the resultant behaviour. Stress concentrations in the deep brain are reduced by fluid redistribution and gyral contact. These results provide direction for future 3D modelling of SBS.

Keywords:

• Shaken baby syndrome
• brain injury
• cerebrospinal fluid
• finite element

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Z S Couper

Zac Couper graduated with 1^st Class Honours in Civil Engineering (1998) from the University of Queensland, worked for four years at KBR and then returned to the University of Queensland to complete his PhD (2007).

F Albermani

Faris Albermani is an Associate Professor in Structural Engineering at the University of Queensland. Details of his research work can be found at /www.uq.edu.au/˜e2falber/research.html.