Published In

Proceedings of the 63rd Annual Meeting of the ISSS - 2019 Corvallis, OR, USA

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

6-2019

Subjects

Brain -- Concussion -- Models, System analysis, Brain -- Concussion -- Pathology, Brain damage -- Classification

Abstract

A computational simulation model calculates estimated recovery trajectories following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Prior publications include a multi-scale conceptual framework for studying concussion, a systems-level causal loop diagram (CLD) and an analysis of key feedback processes. A set of first order ordinary differential equations and their associated parameters determines recovery trajectories. The model contains 15 state variables, 73 auxiliary variables, and 50 parameters describing TBI pathology in an aggregate fashion at the cellular, network, cognitive and social levels. There are 1200 feedback loops, which give rise to a variety of behavior modes, many of which are highly nonlinear. Exogenous parameters include patient and injury characteristics, treatments, and time constants for recovery processes. Model testing has focused on reviewing the causal diagram with subject matter experts and determining sensitivity of model results to injury severity and patient characteristics, especially the time constants associated with healing/recovery processes. The model produces outcome trajectories that represent quick or slow recovery with no deficits, partial recovery, and the patient remaining indefinitely in a pathological state. While highly speculative, the model serves to demonstrate the potential utility of computational models in this context and to further discussion about the complex dynamics involved in recovery from TBI. The model also generates counterintuitive results, as is characteristic of complex systems. Much more research will be needed to create a properly supported research model that could be used or for precision medicine or to aid clinical trial design.

See Also:
A Computational Model for Recovery from Brain Injury, Systems Science Friday Noon Seminar Series

Rights

This is the final and open access version, originally published on the Open Journal Systems platform: https://journals.isss.org/index.php/proceedings63rd/article/view/3639

Description

Presented at the International Conference of the Society for Systems Sciences, Corvallis, Oregon, USA

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/36864

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