Experimental studies in head injury

SummaryA method to produce pressure pulses useful in percussion concussion experiments in animals is presented. The pulses can be varied within the range found in acceleration impact pressure patterns in human cadaver skulls.The transmission and distortion of the produced pressure pulses were studied in waterfilled models and in rabbit skulls. Positive pressures are more easily transmitted than negative pressures, particularly through the rabbit skull. The possibility to cause local brain injuries with short negative pressures at the site of input is demonstrated. The vital and cytochemical response of the living animal to pressure pulses will be published elsewhere.