Multiscale, physics-based approach for traumatic brain injury prediction and prevention
Abstract
Approved for Public ReleaseIn the armed forces, mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and blast-related Traumatic BrainInjury (bTBI) ar e prevalent injuries. Published estimates of mTBI/bTBI among returning servicemembers range from 15.2% to 22.8%, affecting as many a s 320,000 troops. At this time, no braininjury protection protocol exists making it nearly impossible to predict what kind or which levelof exposure is likely to lead to injury. Moreover, without a protection protocol the efficacy ofprotective measures cannot be e valuated.A multiscale, physics-based approach to understanding traumatic brain injury is essential forpreventing and mitigating both mTBI and bTBI. Ultimately, preventing and mitigating bTBI andmTBI requires advancing the understanding of injury at a cellular leve l, as the exact forcemagnitudes and directions that initiate TBI at the cellular scale are still unknown. Knowledge ofneuronal TBI t hresholds is a critical and currently missing component of developing improvedprotective equipment, as well as equipment that addres ses the full range of injury. Through thisproposal we propose six projects toward the ultimate goals of preventing and predicting TB I inour warfighters.For all TBIs, the initial injury is rooted in the cellular response of the brain. In Aim 1, we willcreate the fi rst comprehensive data-driven framework for identifying cellular phenotypes andtheir TBI pathologies based on established structural phenotypic biomarkers.In Aim 2, we propose the first comprehensive nanoscale multiphysics model bridging thesubcellular and cellula r levels and linking mechanical and chemical damage in mTBI and bTBI.The model will elucidate mechanisms of pathway-induced damage i n the hours and daysfollowing a potentially traumatic event.In Aim 3, we will develop a rag doll model to reconstruct the full, 3D human-body kinematicsfor use in high fidelity FEA head and brain simulations allowing us to reconstruct a wide array ofexposure eve nts from simple to the most realistic and mission-specific real-world blunt, inertialand blast loading events.In Aim 4, we will test a matrix of innovative combat helmet liner designs with the goal ofreducing the damaging head motion from rotational moments and ob lique impacts.In previous efforts, we developed a novel algorithm for measuring head motion in realtime.Unfortunately, commercially available sensors are not adequate for use in a fieldable head orhelmet mounted sensor system. In Aim 5 we will develop a flexible, modular and customizablehybrid electronic sensor system that could detect head injury in real-time.In Aim 6, we will develop an expe dited method to determine the constitutive properties ofelastomeric foams used in combat helmet liners. This will allow designers to more rapidlyoptimize the protective capability of helmets and significantly decrease the development time ofnew protective material solutions.These six Specific Aims will strategically advance TBI prediction (detection) and preventionwith high potential for rapid commercial translation. This physics-based research will provide afoundation for protection of our warfighters and citizens.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 07, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112855
Entities
People
- Christian Franck
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Wisconsin System