Cerebral bridging vein rupture in humans

Abstract

A well known cause of death and disability after head trauma is the occurrence of an acute subdural haematoma (ASDH) due to bridging vein rupture. In the past, damage to the bridging veins and ASDH has been shown to be related to angular acceleration of the head in the sagittal plane. The objective of the present study was to establish critical peak angular accelerations in short duration impacts on the head (<15ms), typical for falls and collisions. 18 tests were performed. The results complement impact data from Löwenhielm. Moreover, the tolerance criteria for bridging vein disruption suggested by Löwenhielm are confirmed for short pulse durations. The first states that the peak angular acceleration cannot exceed 4500 rad/s2. The second constitutes a limitation of the change in angular velocity to 40 rad/s. If both of these conditions are fulfilled, the integrity of the bridging veins is said to be assured. © 2005 Springer.