The correlation of midline shifts of human brain with large brain haematoma using a finite element approach.
OBJECTIVE
We report on using a computational (finite element) model to simulate a human skull-brain structure to quantify the distortion of brain.


METHODS
We simulated various effects of brain haematoma causing the distortion of brain. Midline shifts of the human brain in relation to size and location of haematoma were compared with the theoretical prediction.


RESULTS
Prediction of midline shifts in lobar space-occupying lesions was more accurate that in deep-seated ones (such as thalamic lesions).


CONCLUSIONS
More accurate boundary conditions of space-occupying lesions and better knowledge of physical materials properties of brain tissues can improve predictions of brain deformation using mathematical models.
Cheng
A Y S
AY
Division of Neurosurgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Paun
M C Y
MC
Poon
W S
WS
Wong
G K C
GK
D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D008954:Models, Biological; D009068:Movement; D009929:Organ Size; D013314:Stress, Mechanical