[Deformation of brain and stress distribution caused by putaminal hemorrhage--numerical computer simulation by finite...

Deformation and stress distribution caused by putaminal hemorrhage in two-dimensional model brain were analyzed by computer simulation using finite element method. The model brain was composed of cerebral cortex, white matter, caudate nucleus, lenticular nucleus, thalamus and lateral ventricle. Young's modulus of gray and white matter was assumed to be 0.08 and 0.04 kgf/cm2, respectively, and Poisson's ratio was 0.47 for both of them. Bleeding of 100 mmHg pressure was represented by 4 vectors of force directing anterior, lateral, posterior and medial direction from the middle portion of putamen. Calculation of finite element method was carried out by a 16-bit personal computer. The calculated deformation of brain presented a hematoma cavity elongated from anterior to posterior direction at the lenticular nucleus. Mass effect of hematoma was noted from displacement of the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle and the internal capsule. Distribution of stress vector revealed the stress concentration at the lenticular nucleus while small stress was noted all over the model brain. Strength of principal stress was presented by contour-line and took the shape of concentric circles with a center at the putamen. This study suggested that the computer simulation by finite element method would be a useful technique to analyze the physical phenomenon of brain suffered from intracerebral hemorrhage.