Many studies have shown that head injuries are frequent, severe and a major cause of death, disability or impairment. With regard to biomechanical issues, a considerable amount of research into the nature and causation of head injuries has been carried out, and a large degree of consensus has been achieved over basic biomechanical questions. Many different types of head injuries have been described and classified, including degrees of severity and their significance regarding the potential for death or disability. A general understanding exists of the underlying mechanisms that cause altered brain function post injury. Head injury criterion information has been used for legislative purposes. Host factors such as age and genetic makeup are significant, as are environmental factors such as how the injury took place. Biomechanical variables and their combinations such as velocity, acceleration and jerk are important factors and require better understanding. Areas for further knowledge include establishment of realistic and verifiable mathematical models for all injuries; development of mechanical tolerance data for specific types of brain injury; tolerance limits for individual injuries; age specific research; long-term consequences of minor brain injury; and identification of new injury prevention materials and designs.
Samenvatting