TBI Possible without Direct Head Impact

LLNL research reveals how blast waves may cause human brain injury even without direct head impacts 08/26/09. New research on the effects of blast waves could lead to an enhanced understanding of head injuries and improved military helmet design. Using numerical hydrodynamic computer simulations, Lawrence Livermore scientists Willy Moss and Michael King, along with University of Rochester colleague Eric Blackman, have discovered that nonlethal blasts can induce enough skull flexure to generate potentially damaging loads in the brain, even without direct head impact. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory via Eurekalert!