Modeling and simulation of brain lesions by the finite-element method

In this study the consolidation model is used to study the influence of the cerebrospinal fluid on the mechanical factors in the brain. First, in the model flow patterns similar to observations by CT were obtained. But these results were dependent on the boundary conditions and material constants. One must examine these factors more exactly with medical data. Second, stress concentration was observed near the horns of the lateral ventricle, areas that coincide with that of periventricular lucency. Cerebrospinal fluid plays an important role in brain lesions. MRI or CT images give one qualitative information, but no quantitative measure of force. Finite element simulations have the possibility of providing such information. The authors believe that if the qualitative model can be constructed, and using the technique of inverse analysis with the image information, it may be possible to obtain quantitative values of material constants from the clinical observations.<>