Modelling Infant Head Kinematics in Abusive Head Trauma

Modelling Infant Head Kinematics in Abusive Head Trauma PDF Author: Thomas Oliver Lintern
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Brain-damaged children
Languages : en
Pages : 179

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Book Description
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a potentially fatal result of child abuse, but the mechanisms by which injury occur are often unclear. In this thesis, a novel computational framework for investigating head kinematics during AHT was developed using OpenSim (Delp et al., 2007), and was validated with kinematic measurements during shaking of an experimental phantom. The framework was used to investigate the biomechanics of AHT using model-based interpretation of animal shaking experiments, and computational studies simulating the shaking of human infants. The lamb was used as an in vivo experimental analogue of AHT. An OpenSim computational model of the lamb was developed and used to interpret biomechanical data from shaking experiments. Sagittal plane acceleration components of the animal's head during shaking were used to provide in vivo validation of the computational framework. Results demonstrated that peak accelerations occurred when the head impacted the torso and produced acceleration magnitudes exceeding 200 m.s−2. The computational model demonstrated good agreement with the experimental measurements and was able to reproduce the extreme accelerations that occur during impact. The biomechanical results demonstrate the utility of using a coupled rigid-body modelling framework to describe infant head kinematics in AHT. To investigate AHT in human infants, a novel probabilistic analysis of head kinematics during shaking was performed. A deterministic OpenSim model, incorporating an infant's mechanical properties, was subjected to a variety of shaking motions. Monte Carlo analyses were used to simulate the range of infant kinematics produced as a result of varying both the mechanical properties and the type of shaking motions. By excluding physically unrealistic shaking motions, worst-case shaking scenarios were simulated and compared to existing injury criteria for a newborn, 4.5 months, and a 12 months infant. None of these cases produced head kinematics that exceeded previously estimated subdural haemorrhage injury thresholds. The results of this study provide no biomechanical evidence to demonstrate how shaking alone can cause the injuries observed in AHT, suggesting either that additional factors, such as impact, are required, or that the current estimates of injury thresholds should be interpreted with caution.

Modelling Infant Head Kinematics in Abusive Head Trauma

Modelling Infant Head Kinematics in Abusive Head Trauma PDF Author: Thomas Oliver Lintern
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Brain-damaged children
Languages : en
Pages : 179

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Book Description
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a potentially fatal result of child abuse, but the mechanisms by which injury occur are often unclear. In this thesis, a novel computational framework for investigating head kinematics during AHT was developed using OpenSim (Delp et al., 2007), and was validated with kinematic measurements during shaking of an experimental phantom. The framework was used to investigate the biomechanics of AHT using model-based interpretation of animal shaking experiments, and computational studies simulating the shaking of human infants. The lamb was used as an in vivo experimental analogue of AHT. An OpenSim computational model of the lamb was developed and used to interpret biomechanical data from shaking experiments. Sagittal plane acceleration components of the animal's head during shaking were used to provide in vivo validation of the computational framework. Results demonstrated that peak accelerations occurred when the head impacted the torso and produced acceleration magnitudes exceeding 200 m.s−2. The computational model demonstrated good agreement with the experimental measurements and was able to reproduce the extreme accelerations that occur during impact. The biomechanical results demonstrate the utility of using a coupled rigid-body modelling framework to describe infant head kinematics in AHT. To investigate AHT in human infants, a novel probabilistic analysis of head kinematics during shaking was performed. A deterministic OpenSim model, incorporating an infant's mechanical properties, was subjected to a variety of shaking motions. Monte Carlo analyses were used to simulate the range of infant kinematics produced as a result of varying both the mechanical properties and the type of shaking motions. By excluding physically unrealistic shaking motions, worst-case shaking scenarios were simulated and compared to existing injury criteria for a newborn, 4.5 months, and a 12 months infant. None of these cases produced head kinematics that exceeded previously estimated subdural haemorrhage injury thresholds. The results of this study provide no biomechanical evidence to demonstrate how shaking alone can cause the injuries observed in AHT, suggesting either that additional factors, such as impact, are required, or that the current estimates of injury thresholds should be interpreted with caution.

Soft Tissue Deformations in Abusive Head Trauma

Soft Tissue Deformations in Abusive Head Trauma PDF Author: Nikini Thikshana Puhulwelle Gamage
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Brain
Languages : en
Pages : 198

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Book Description
Abusive head trauma (AHT), previously termed shaken baby syndrome (SBS), refers to head injuries inflicted on young infants by their caregivers. Although violent shaking has been implicated, there is currently a paucity of scientific evidence around the causes of these injuries. The objective of this thesis is to use finite element models to predict the deformation of soft tissues in the human infant head under prescribed shaking motion, and to examine whether these deformations are sufficient to cause injury. Phantom and human studies were investigated to validate the FE modelling framework used to create the infant model. Cube phantoms were constructed to mimic the brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the fontanelle of an infant. These phantoms were subject to linear and rotational shaking experiments, during which the pressures were measured and used to validate a computational model. To investigate the relative motion between the brain and the skull due to a shake, rotational motions experiments were conducted on cylindrical phantoms. The deformations measured were then used to verify the assumptions and parameter settings of cylindrical FE models. The computational techniques were then validated against measured adult in vivo brain deformations where the head was experiencing rotational motions. The infant model was constructed with a fluid structure interaction modelling framework, for the first time contained all of, the anterior fontanelle, the optic nerves, the brain stem, the falx cerebri, the tentorium cerebellum, a realistic shaking input and modelled the effects of neck bending. The bridging veins were predicted to stretch enough for them to rupture, indicating that subdural haematomas would occur. The predicted forces on the optic nerves may help with future research when the injury thresholds for retinal haematomas are identified. The von Mises stresses on the brain predicted by the model indicated that it did not meet the threshold (for adult humans) required for severe traumatic brain injury. This thesis, provides a predictive tool to determine the 3D dynamic deformation of an infant’s brain subjected to realistic shaking motions.

Computational Biomechanics for Medicine

Computational Biomechanics for Medicine PDF Author: Adam Wittek
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319544810
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 174

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Book Description
This volume comprises the latest developments in both fundamental science and patient-specific applications, discussing topics such as: cellular mechanics; injury biomechanics; biomechanics of heart and vascular system; medical image analysis; and both patient-specific fluid dynamics and solid mechanics simulations. With contributions from researchers world-wide, the Computational Biomechanics for Medicine series of titles provides an opportunity for specialists in computational biomechanics to present their latest methodologies and advancements.

Proceedings of the 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA 2018)

Proceedings of the 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA 2018) PDF Author: Sebastiano Bagnara
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 331996089X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 837

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Book Description
This book presents the proceedings of the 20th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA 2018), held on August 26-30, 2018, in Florence, Italy. By highlighting the latest theories and models, as well as cutting-edge technologies and applications, and by combining findings from a range of disciplines including engineering, design, robotics, healthcare, management, computer science, human biology and behavioral science, it provides researchers and practitioners alike with a comprehensive, timely guide on human factors and ergonomics. It also offers an excellent source of innovative ideas to stimulate future discussions and developments aimed at applying knowledge and techniques to optimize system performance, while at the same time promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of individuals. The proceedings include papers from researchers and practitioners, scientists and physicians, institutional leaders, managers and policy makers that contribute to constructing the Human Factors and Ergonomics approach across a variety of methodologies, domains and productive sectors. This volume includes papers addressing the following topics: Safety and Health, and Slips, Trips and Falls.

Utilizing a Stress and Coping Model Into a Preventive Abusive Head Trauma Parent/caregiver Educational Program

Utilizing a Stress and Coping Model Into a Preventive Abusive Head Trauma Parent/caregiver Educational Program PDF Author: Camile Williams
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a serious form of child maltreatment that is the primary cause of fatal head injuries in children younger than 24 months and is the cause for over 50% of severe or fatal traumatic brain injury incidences. These injuries can be caused by impact, shaking, or the combination of shaking and impact. These multi-factorial injuries can cause intracranial and spinal damage, retinal hemorrhages, and fractures of ribs and other bones. The age and severity of injuries will be used to assess the diagnosis of AHT. When AHT occurs, it is often tied to the behavior from a parent or caregiver as a reaction to a crying infant. Conceptual models and nursing theories have helped nurses use years of accumulated nursing knowledge to develop and put evidence into practice. The stress theory of Lazarus and Folkman highlights the associations among individual characteristics, environment, a stressful event, and coping (Lazarus, 2000). Identification of these triggers is important to AHT prevention because if these behaviors precipitate abuse then interventions can be utilized (Lazarus, 2000). The reaction to the behaviors that causes AHT is avoidable and an educational prevention program can help reduce the incidence and cost with AHT. The purpose of this review is to assess previous preventive educational programs that focus on caregivers and healthcare professionals in reducing the incidence of AHT in children 24 months or younger and possible barriers to healthcare professionals and caregivers. Keywords: shaken baby syndrome, prevention and control, abusive head trauma, nurses, caregivers

Head Injury Simulation in Road Traffic Accidents

Head Injury Simulation in Road Traffic Accidents PDF Author: Fábio A. O. Fernandes
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319899260
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 107

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Book Description
In this work the development of a new geometrically detailed finite element head model is presented. Special attention is given to sulci and gyri modelling, making this model more geometrically accurate than others currently available. The model was validated against experimental data from impact tests on cadavers, specifically intracranial pressure and brain motion. Its potential is shown in an accident reconstruction case with injury evaluation by effectively combining multibody kinematics and finite element methodology.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome PDF Author: Keith A. Findley
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1009187783
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 461

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Book Description
Since the early 2000s, a growing body of scientific studies in neuropathology, neurology, neurosurgery, biomechanics, statistics, criminology and psychology has cast doubt on the forensic reliability of medical determinations of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), more recently termed Abusive Head Trauma (AHT). Studies have increasingly documented that accidental short falls and a wide range of medical conditions, can cause the same symptoms and findings associated with this syndrome. Nevertheless, inaccurate diagnoses, unrealistic confidence expression, and wrongful convictions continue to this day. Bringing together contributions from a multidisciplinary expert panel of 32 professionals across 8 countries in 16 different specialties, this landmark book tackles the highly controversial topic of SBS, which lies at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With comprehensive coverage across multiple disciplines, it explains the scientific evidence challenging SBS and advances efforts to evaluate how deaths and serious brain injuries in infants should be analysed and investigated.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome PDF Author: Keith A. Findley
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1009384767
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 461

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Book Description
Since the early 2000s, a growing body of scientific studies in neuropathology, neurology, biomechanics, statistics, criminology and psychology has cast doubt on the validity of the automatic diagnosis of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), more recently termed Abusive Head Trauma (AHT). It has been shown that accidental short falls, as well as a wide range of medical conditions, might cause the same symptoms. Nevertheless, mischaracterized diagnoses and wrongful convictions continue to this day. Bringing together contributions from a multidisciplinary expert panel of 32 professionals across 8 countries in 16 different specialties, this landmark book tackles the highly controversial topic of SBS, which lies at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With comprehensive coverage across multiple disciplines, it explains the scientific evidence challenging SBS and advances efforts to evaluate how deaths and serious brain injuries in infants should be analysed and investigated.

Measurement and Modeling of Head Impact Kinematics

Measurement and Modeling of Head Impact Kinematics PDF Author: Calvin Kuo
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Mild traumatic brain injury was once considered a silent epidemic due to difficulties in detecting and diagnosing its subtle neurological symptoms. However, increased public awareness of mild traumatic brain injuries coupled with recent advances in wearable sensing, sideline assessments, and basic understanding of underlying mechanisms has placed a large spotlight on the dangers of brain injuries to short-term and long-term neurological health. Today, researchers are approaching a consensus that head angular rotations are particularly dangerous as it results in shearing of the brain tissue. Studies on animals, cadavers, and surrogates were instrumental in developing hypotheses linking head angular rotations with injury, while studies on human subject populations at high risk of brain injury were instrumental in confirming these hypotheses. Yet, despite all that has been discovered regarding mild traumatic brain injuries, they are still difficult to predict and prevent. This is because we lack an understanding of how impact forces cause dangerous head rotations, and we lack methods to accurately measure the head rotations that result in brain injuries. In this thesis, I will discuss my work in the development of head and neck models to understand how the head is set in motion by impact forces, and the development of wearable sensors to measure head impact rotations in the field. In the future, my head and neck models can serve to determine susceptibilities of the head to impact forces and inform improvement for preventative equipment. Furthermore, the wearable sensor technologies and algorithms I developed in my thesis can be used as accurate, real-time diagnostic tools to detect severe head impacts likely to result in brain injuries. Together, these can be both be used to reduce brain injury incidence and identify injured individuals for proper treatment and rest.

Abusive Head Trauma in Infants

Abusive Head Trauma in Infants PDF Author: Leshia Lyman
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 110

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Book Description