brain_tissue_simulation [Neurosurgery Wiki]

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
the process of digitally or physically modeling the properties and behavior of brain tissue for research, clinical, or educational purposes. There are several types of brain tissue simulations, depending on the goal. Here's a breakdown:

🧠 Types of Brain Tissue Simulations
Biomechanical Simulations

Purpose: To model the physical behavior of brain tissue (e.g., during surgery or trauma).

Tools: Finite Element Modeling (FEM), ANSYS, FEBio, SOFA framework.

Applications:

Predict brain shift during neurosurgery.

Design of surgical tools and implants.

Study effects of traumatic brain injury.

Electrophysiological Simulations

Purpose: To model neural activity and electrical behavior of brain tissue.

Tools: NEURON, Brian2, NEST, The Virtual Brain.

Applications:

Study neural signal propagation.

Model epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation).

Test brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).

Tissue Phantoms (Physical Simulations)

Purpose: Create brain-like materials for testing surgical tools, imaging, or training.

Materials: Gelatin, agar, silicone, hydrogels.

Applications:

Neurosurgical training.

Calibration of MRI, CT, or ultrasound.

Testing robotic systems or electrodes.

Molecular/Cellular Simulations

Purpose: Simulate behavior at the microscopic level (ion channels, neurotransmitters, etc.).

Tools: MCell, GENESIS, Blue Brain Project tools.

Applications:

Neuropharmacology.

Synaptic plasticity studies.

Brain development modeling.

✅ Common Use Cases
Neurosurgical planning and training

Testing medical devices (e.g., electrodes, catheters)

Understanding disease mechanisms (e.g., Alzheimer's, tumors)

Academic and medical education

AI and computational neuroscience research