Biomechanical dose and real-time neurophysiological response during direct and whiplash head loading in humans

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Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly known as concussions, affects millions annually worldwide. It is also becoming an epidemic problem in Canada, with one in fifty suffering a head injury in 2009-2010 according to Statistics Canada. Recent studies have shown that even milder head impacts without diagnosed concussions (i.e. subconcussive mTBI) could lead to measurable changes in brain function or structure. Having a better understanding of the injury mechanism is critical for improved diagnosis and prevention of this prevalent condition. The long-term objective of this research is to understand the biomechanical mechanism of mTBI. In this 5-year program, we will specifically investigate the biomechanical dose and real-time neurophysiological response relationship in mild head loading. In other words, we will study what real-time brain changes result from different types and severity of mechanical loading on the head. A repeatable and versatile laboratory head loading model will be built to gather mild multidirectional direct and whiplash-induced head loading data from human volunteers. The biomechanical loading parameters will be correlated with resulting brain neurophysiological changes measured by electroencephalogram. In addition, a finite element brain model will be used to simulate local brain deformations, which will be compared with regional neurophysiological changes. This research program will yield novel engineering tools to investigate real-time brain disturbances in mild human head loading, compared to traditional studies where the brain response is measured at least a few hours after the mechanical input. Our findings will contribute to fundamental understanding of how mechanical loading on the head leads to neurophysiological changes in the brain.