Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Mechanical response of infant brain to manually inflicted shaking
1School of Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Insights
This study developed a finite element model of an infant head to understand the biomechanics of shaken baby syndrome (SBS). Simulations revealed how shaking causes brain injury patterns and subdural hematomas.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) lacks clear understanding of infant head loading-injury relationships.
- Determining factors for SBS injury severity remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a finite element (FE) model of a 3-month-old infant head.
- To simulate infant head kinematics from physical testing to understand injury mechanisms.
- To investigate the loading-injury relationship in SBS.
Main Methods:
- Developed a 3D finite element (FE) mesh of an infant head with adaptable mesh grading.
- Incorporated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics using pressure equilibration and squeezing resistance.
- Applied kinematics derived from physical testing with an infant surrogate.
Main Results:
- Simulations showed specific brain matter motion patterns from anteroposterior shaking.
- Identified increased likelihood of focal axonal injury in deep brain structures and contact areas.
- Demonstrated the potential for subdural hematomas (SDH) due to bridging vein rupture.
Conclusions:
- The FE model provides insights into SBS biomechanics and injury causation.
- Findings elucidate injury patterns, including axonal injury and SDH development.
- This model can aid in understanding and potentially preventing SBS injuries.
Abstract:
Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a contentious issue on both biomechanical and medical fronts, primarily due to a lack of understanding of the loading-injury relationship of infant shaking and the parameters that are deterministic to its nature. In order to address this lack, a finite element (FE) representation of a three month infant head was developed to apply kinematics derived from physical testing with an anthropomorphic infant surrogate. The FE mesh was derived from a three-dimensional geometric basis, allowing for mesh size grading in regions of high importance, and future patient-specific adaptation. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was represented through static pressure equilibration in combination with a locally based squeezing resistance. The results of the simulation indicate that anteroposterior shaking will lead to specific patterns of brain matter motion, increased likelihood of focal axonal injury at contact locations and deep brain structures, and a capacity for the development of subdural hematomas (SDH) due to rupture of central bridging veins.
