# A Numerical Method to Compute Brain Injury Associated to Concussion

**Authors:** C. Bastien, A. Scattina, C. Neal-Sturgess, R. Panno, V. Shrinivas  
**arXiv:** [2210.14954](https://arxiv.org/abs/2210.14954)  
**Date:** 2022-10-25  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2210.14954v1/

## Key points

- Research presents a novel numerical method for calculating brain injury associated with concussions using the Peak Virtual Power (PVP) method and the THUMS 4.02 head model.
- Aims to determine PVP values for preventing mild and severe concussions in lateral collisions and frontal impacts, as well as the PVP value below which no concussion would occur in the head's vertical direction.
- Results show that a PVP value lower than 0.928mW can prevent mild concussions in lateral collisions, while a PVP value lower than 9.405mW can prevent severe concussions in frontal impacts.
- A PVP value less than 1.184mW eliminates the risk of concussion in the head's vertical direction.
- Findings have implications for improving helmet designs and assessing sports injuries.
- Incorporating the proposed method into helmet design processes can lead to better protection against concussions from lateral and frontal impacts.
- Sports organizations and medical professionals can use this method to evaluate brain injury severity caused by different types of collisions and implement preventive measures.
- Innovative numerical approach enhances helmet safety standards, advances understanding of concussions, and reduces incidence/severity of brain injuries in activities involving potential head impacts.

## Summary

This research presents a novel numerical method for calculating brain injury associated with concussions using the Peak Virtual Power (PVP) method and the THUMS 4.02 head model. The study aims to determine the PVP values at which mild and severe concussions can be prevented for lateral collisions and frontal impacts, as well as the PVP value below which no concussion would occur in the head's vertical direction. The results show that for lateral collisions, a PVP value lower than 0.928mW can prevent mild concussions, while a PVP value lower than 9.405mW can prevent severe concussions in frontal impacts. Additionally, it is found that a PVP value less than 1.184mW eliminates the risk of concussion in the head's vertical direction. These findings have significant implications for improving helmet designs and assessing sports injuries. By incorporating the proposed method into helmet design processes, manufacturers can develop helmets that provide better protection against concussions resulting from lateral and frontal impacts. Moreover, sports organizations and medical professionals can utilize this method to evaluate the severity of brain injuries caused by different types of collisions and implement appropriate preventive measures. Overall, this innovative numerical approach offers a new paradigm for enhancing helmet safety standards, advancing our understanding of concussions, and ultimately improving people's wellbeing by reducing the incidence and severity of brain injuries in various activities involving potential head impacts.