Title

Biophysics Of Concussion

Date

1958

Index Abstract

Coming Soon

Photo Quality

Incomplete

Report Number

WADC TR 58-193

Creator

Hollister, Nathaniel R.

Jolley, William P.

Horne, Robert G.

Friede, Reinhard

Laboratory

Aero Medical Laboratory

Extent

82

Identifier

AD0203385

Access Rights

OTS

Distribution Classification

1

Contract

AF 33(616)-2894

DoD Project

7220

DoD Task

71752

DTIC Record Exists

No

Distribution Change Authority Correspondence

AMRL, USAF LTR

Report Availability

Full text available by request

Abstract

This investigation was instituted to ascertain the anatomical and/or physiological factors involved when experimental "concussion was produced. Methods were developed for effecting a reproducible "concussion." The criterion used to determine when "concussion" was produced consisted of the measurement of abrogation of corneal reflex. Three principal factors thought to cause "concussion" were studied: namely, (1) rapid deceleration (acceleration concussion as defined by D. Denny-Brown), (2) total force imparted to the skull, and (3) stretch of the cervical region. A test drop rig was developed and instrumentation was used to measure the various force vectors. Varying experimental conditions eliminated one or more of the factors thought to cause "concussion," and the following conclusions were drawn: (1) Total force applied to the skull is not a factor in "concussion" under the test conditions. (2) Acceleration concussion is not a factor under test conditions. (3) Stretch of the cat's neck or some unknown factor, which can be altered by applying a muscle-tetanizing current, accounts for the "concussion" produced. Neurohistopathological studies were done on serial sections of the brain and cord to establish the site and degree of neural damage under various experimental conditions. These studies are discussed in Part II of this report.

Corporate Author

N. R. Hollister, M. D. and Aero Medical Laboratory

Distribution Conflict

No

Date Issued

1958-09

Provenance

IIT

Type

report

Format

82 pages ; 28 cm.