Farmer Cline & Campbell PLLC Injury Lawyers

Free Consults | 866-587-0167

Strong and Caring

Study investigates the membrane’s impact on a brain injury

On Behalf of | Apr 6, 2017 | Brain Injury |

West Virginia residents who have a friend or family member who suffered a traumatic brain injury may know how debilitating it can be. While researchers know that the membranes that protect and separate the brain from the skull play a large role in protecting the brain against sudden impacts and the resulting damage, the details surrounding the mechanisms are still largely unknown.

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis set out to learn more about the membranes and how much they actually protect the brain. During the study, the researchers used magnetic resonance elastography to measure the motion of the brain. Brain images from six volunteers were recorded while a small vibrating pillow was introduced. The strength of the vibrations were measured through a mouth guard given to the volunteers. A gelatin model of the brain was used as a comparison.

The results showed that the membrane weakened the impact from the vibrations by about 90 percent when compared to the gelatin model. While this study revealed some interesting information regarding the membrane’s ability to protect the brain, researchers intend to complete further studies that would examine specific factors that could have an impact on traumatic brain injuries, such as gender and age.

People who suffer brain damage following a serious head injury caused by a car accident could lose the ability to live a normal life. Even in minor cases, their speech may become affected or they may even have a change in their personality. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another motorist, a lawyer could assist in seeking appropriate compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.