A Study of the Impact Response of Discrete Regions of the Human Cadaver Brain

The risk of trauma to the brain due to head impacts is high, despite widespread use of protective equipment and injury mitigation efforts. Mitigation techniques are developed through simulations that utilize complex finite element models of the brain and head. Validation of such models is limited, as existing empirical data is sparse. Due to technical constraints, empirical studies have only revealed broad brain tissue deformation. The objective of this study was to develop a comprehensive methodology for measuring the displacement of discrete brain structures during impact. An advanced X-ray system was used to capture brain motion for two cadaveric specimens at 7,500 fps. Displacement of brain structures was determined for 7 impacts on each specimen. Motion trends were region dependent, with some regions exhibiting multi-modal displacement. Displacement of discrete structures including the corpus callosum was measured. These methods will help clarify the response of the brain to impact.