Regional brain strains and role of falx in lateral impact-induced head rotational acceleration.

The objective of the present investigation is to determine localized brains strains in lateral impact using finite element modeling and evaluate the role of the falx. A two-dimensional finite element model was developed and validated with experimental data from literature. Motions and strains from the stress analysis matched well with experimental results. A parametric study was conducted by introducing flexible falx in the finite element model. For the model with the rigid falx, high strains were concentrated in the corpus callosum, whereas for the model with the flexible falx, high strains extended into the cerebral vertex. These preliminary findings indicate that the flexibility of falx has an effect on regional brain strains in lateral impact.