Summary
We have shown that pure non-deforming rotational acceleration to the head is capable of producing lesions not only in the brain but through the entire length of the spinal cord, extending to the cauda equina.
In clinical circumstances in which humans are subjected to severe rotational acceleration of the head, the spinal cord, as well as the brain should be examined pathologically.
Zusammenfassung
In experimentellen Untersuchungen konnte gezeigt werden, daß reine, nicht-deformierende Rotations-Acceleration des Schädels nicht nur Läsionen des Gehirns, sondern auch des gesamten Rückenmarkes bis zur Cauda equina bewirken kann.
In Fällen, wo Menschen schwerer Rotations-Acceleration des Schädels ausgesetzt sind, sollten Gehirnund Rückenmark pathologisch untersucht werden.
Article PDF
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Breig, A.: Biomechanics of the central nervous system. Some basic normal and pathologic phenomena. Stockholm: Almquist & Wiksell 1960.
Higgins, L. S., andR. A. Schmall: A device for the investigation of head injury effected by non-deforming head accelerations. Proc. 11th Annual Stapp Car Crash Conference, Society of Automotive Engineers, New York, Paper No. 670905 (1967).
Jakob, A.: Experimentelle Untersuchungen über die Schädigungen des Zentralnervensystems (mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Commotio cerebri und Commotionsneurose).Nissl-Alzheimer: Histologische und histopathologische Arbeiten über die Großhirnrinde, Bd. 5, S. 182–341. Jena 1913.
Martinez, J. L., andD. J. Garcia: A model for whiplash. J. Biomechanics1, 23–32 (1968).
Oelker, C. E., F. H. Primiano, andH. C. Wooding: The investigation of the parameters of head injury related to acceleration and deceleration. Technology Incorporated Annual Report, Contract DA-49-193-MD-2610 (TI 2610-66-4) Dayton, Ohio (1966).
Ommaya, A. K., F. Faas andP. Yarnell: Whiplash injury and brain damage. J. Amer. Med. Ass.204, 285–289 (1968).
Peters, G.: Über gedeckte Gehirnverletzungen (Rindenkontusion) im Tierversuch. Zbl. Neurochir.8, 172–208 (1943).
Sellier, K., u.F. Unterharnscheidt: Mechanik und Pathomorphologie der Hirnschäden nach stumpfer Gewalteinwirkung auf den Schädel. Hefte Unfallheilk., Heft 76. Berlin-Göttingen-Heidelberg: Springer 1963.
Sellier, K., u.F. Unterharnscheidt: The mechanics of the impact of violence on the skull. In Proc. Internat. Congress of Neurological Surgery, Copenhagen, Aug. 28, 1965. Excerpta Medica Intern. Congr. Series110, 87–92 (1965).
Spatz, H.: Brain injuries in aviation. In: German Aviation Medicine, World War II. Dept. of the Air Force, Vol. 1, pp. 616–640 (1950).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Supported in part by Contract DA-49-193-MD-2610 with the U.S.Army Medical Research and Development Command, Washington, D.C., NB 07377-01, with USPHS-Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare and Mary K. Petersen Foundation.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Unterharnscheidt, F., Higgins, L.S. Pathomorphology of experimental head injury due to rotational acceleration. Acta Neuropathol 12, 200–204 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00692508
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00692508