Analysis of intracerebral hematoma shapes by numerical computer simulation using the finite element method.

The distortion and stress distribution in the brain caused by putaminal hemorrhage were estimated by computer stimulation using the finite element method (FEM). The two-dimensional model of a single cerebral hemisphere contained cortex, white matter, caudate nucleus, lenticular nucleus, thalamus, falx, and lateral ventricle. Five types of intracerebral hemorrhage were modeled at different locations in the lenticular nucleus. The models generated putaminal hematomas of various shapes influenced by the location of the bleeding points. Hematomas caused deformation of the brain, collapse of the lateral ventricle, and destruction of the internal capsule. The stress distribution revealed various patterns influenced by the site of bleeding. The stress in the area of the internal capsule corresponded to the extent of destruction of the internal capsule. This study suggests that FEM modeling of putaminal hemorrhage can provide a useful simulation.