Work

Biomechanism of traumatic brain injury induced by acceleration based on animal models

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Acceleration-induced traumatic brain injury (TBI) arises from rapid motion generated by external mechanical loading. Its major biomechanical responses include intracranial pressure changes and brain tissue deformation. These responses are strongly influenced by the type and characteristics of acceleration. We summarize biomechanical studies of acceleration-induced TBI based on animal models, with emphasis on linear, rotational, and combined acceleration. Evidence from these models is integrated across brain tissue responses, injury patterns, model validation, and imaging assessment. Linear acceleration mainly induces intracranial pressure gradients and local tissue compression. Rotational acceleration more commonly causes shear deformation and multiaxial strain in white matter fibers and is closely associated with axonal injury. In real-world head impacts, linear and rotational motions usually occur together. Their interaction may induce both focal and diffuse injuries and complicates the identification of individual injury mechanisms. Animal models differ in brain anatomy, loading methods, and kinematic characteristics. Model validation should be based on actual head motion and include intracranial pressure, brain deformation, and neuropathological outcomes. Neuroimaging provides important complementary information for detecting microstructural injury. Diffusion tensor imaging, magnetization transfer imaging, quantitative susceptibility mapping, and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging can reveal abnormalities that may not be visible on conventional structural imaging. However, heterogeneity in kinematic control, head–neck constraints, brain anatomy, and injury assessment limits cross-study comparison and cross-species translation. Future studies should integrate finite element modeling, multimodal imaging, histopathology, and functional assessment to establish quantitative relationships among external loading, local tissue deformation, and injury outcomes.

Source: Medicine in Novel Technology and Devices

DOI: 10.1016/j.medntd.2026.100467

Authors: Xin Liang, Weidong Liu, Zhixin Liu, Lizhen Wang, Yubo Fan

Institutions: Beihang University, China Automotive Technology and Research Center, Jiangsu University of Technology, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Automotive and Human Injury Biomechanics

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,490