Modeling Neck and Brain Injuries in Infants

Researchers have studied brain injury in children by assessing linear and angular accelerations, without taking into account vibratory loads. A proposed approach employs a new mathematical head model that includes vibration to analyze how shaken-baby syndrome affects babies. To account for vibrations, it applies the finite-element method to model the stresses, strains, and displacements in the neck vertebrae and brain. This research also modeled the effects of a single blow to the head. In both cases, researchers determined the extent of alterations by comparing brain tissue strength with predictions of increased tension. The vibration results predict alterations in the cervical vertebrae in some oscillation modes and are consistent with studies of cervical cord whiplash injuries. The single-blow results predict brain and spinal cord alterations and are consistent with scanner slices made by other researchers.