Skull In Children Research Articles

Children who claim previous life memories: A case report and literature review

ObjectiveAcademic investigation of thousands of children who claim past-life memories has been developed worldwide for five decades. However, despite the scientific and clinical significance of this substantial body of research, most clinicians and scientists are not aware of it. This study aims to report a case of a child who claimed memories that match his deceased granduncle's life and to perform a literature review of the main characteristics and implications of children's past-life claims. MethodWe investigated the case through interviews with the child and first-hand witnesses, and conducted a documental analysis to verify possible associations between the child's statements and facts from the deceased's life. We also performed a CT scan of the child's skull to verify possible associations between anatomical features and a fatal wound from the alleged previous life. ResultsThe child presented most key features typical of such cases of claimed past-life memories. He made 13 statements about the previous life; nine were correct (e.g., the mode of death and a toy the granduncle had) and four were undetermined. The child demonstrated eight unusual behaviors that matched the previous personality´s habits, interests, and manners. The child has a birth defect (a rare occipital concavity) that is compatible with the firearm injury that caused the death of his uncle. ConclusionsThe characteristics of the reported case fit the cross-cultural patterns of children who claim past-life memories, and it has scientific and clinical implications that need to be better known and investigated.

Discrepancies Between Objective and Subjective Outcomes of and Quality of Life During Molding Helmet Therapy for Cranial Deformities.

Positional skull deformities have been on the rise for decades and can be treated with molding helmets in early childhood. Parents often fear later cosmetic stigmatization, but also a reduced quality of life (QoL) during treatment. The aim of this study was to examine therapy results in our patient collection from a new perspective. Cranial vault asymmetry (CVA), cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI), and cranial index (CI) were compared before and after molding helmet therapy. Correction was defined by a decrease in CVA <3.5mm and CI <90%. Subjective therapy outcome, side effects and QoL from the parents' perspective were determined using a questionnaire. There were 25 patients included. Differences between pretherapeutic and posttherapeutic CVA, CVAI, and CI were significant ( P <0.01). An objective correction according to the defined values was observed in only 12% of cases. However, 76% of parents stated that their child's skull shape was normal after therapy. There were 60 side effects reported in 23 cases. The QoL of 21 children was assessed as unimpaired during helmet therapy. Even though complete normalization was rarely observed, the parameters were significantly different after therapy, and subjective reduction in skull deformity was common.

Age-related changes in the bottom view area of ancient children's skulls from the Zaghunluq Cemetery in Xinjiang, China.

This study examined forty skull samples of ancient children, aged 2-15 years, excavated from the Zaghunluq cemetery in Xinjiang, China. The purpose of the study was to analyze the patterns of age-related physiological development and growth spurts in the skulls of these ancient children by comparing the projected areas of the bottom view of the skull, the occipital bone, and the maxilla among different age groups. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in the projected areas of the skull's bottom view, occipital bone, and maxilla among five age groups (2 years old, 3-5 years old, 6-8 years old, 9-11 years old, and 12-15 years old). The growth spurts in the projected area of the occipital bone occurred at ages 3-5 years and 6-8 years. As for the maxilla, the growth spurts took place at ages 6-8 years and 12-15 years. Meanwhile, the projected area of the skull's bottom view exhibited a continuous increase without any periods of rapid growth. These findings may reflect the patterns of age-related growth in the skulls of ancient children in Xinjiang, China.

Geological age estimate for the Mojokerto child's skull Homo erectus. Comment on Berghuis et al. “The eastern Kendeng Hills (Java, Indonesia) and the hominin-bearing beds of Mojokerto, a re-interpretation” [Quat. Sci. Rev. 295 (2022) 107692

Berghuis et al. (2022) misanalyse the stratigraphic context of the Mojokerto child's skull in their fieldwork-based endeavor to estimate the geological age of this largely complete Homo erectus calvarial fossil, which was unearthed near Perning in 1936.

Statistical analysis of the thickness and biomechanical properties of Japanese children’s skulls

ObjectiveThe structure and strength of a child's skull are important in accurately determining what and how external forces were applied when examining head injuries. The aims of this study were to measure skull thickness and strength in children, evaluate sex differences, and investigate the correlation between skull thickness and strength and age. Materials and methodsSkulls were obtained from 42 Japanese dead bodies under 20 years of age. During the autopsies, bone samples were taken from each skull. The length, width, and central thickness of the skulls were measured using calipers. Three-point bending tests were conducted, and bending load and displacement were recorded. Bending stress and bending strain were calculated, and Young's modulus, 0.2% proof stress, and maximum stress were obtained. ResultsIn cases under 1.5 years old, 14 out of 46 male samples and 20 out of 40 female samples did not fracture during the three-point bending test, though no significant sex differences were detected. No significant differences in age, sample thickness, Young's modulus, 0.2% proof stress, or maximum stress were detected between the sexes. The sample thickness, Young's modulus, 0.2% proof stress, and maximum stress increased significantly and logarithmically with age (R2 = 0.761–0.899). Although age correlated with thickness, Young's modulus, and maximum stress more in females than in males, 0.2% proof stress correlated slightly better in males than in females. ConclusionThe skulls of preschool children, in particular, are thin, have low strength, and are at high risk of fracturing even with relatively small external forces. Unlike adults, no significant sex differences in skull thickness or strength were observed in children.

Left ‐ Right Asymmetry of the Jugular Foramen in Multisuture Syndromic Craniosynostosis

IntroductionApert and Crouzon syndromes are among the most common craniosynostosis syndromes found in children. Mutations have been found in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene in both syndromes. Although different mutations, the common mutated receptor raises suspicion for its involvement in the cranial morphogenesis found in these syndromic craniosynostosis patients.The shapes of these children’s skulls have long been thought to be the result of early fusion of the synchondroses. The syndromic morphology of the skulls in these patients, in particular Apert, results from a combination of abnormal development of the skull base, neural tissue, and calvaria. Investigations of these effects has led multiple studies to find decreased volumes of the posterior fossa in craniosynostosis patients and effects on the basicranial foramina of the skull, in particular the jugular foramen.Craniosynostotic children develop elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), as well as, other complications such as hydrocephalus and tonsillar herniation related to this increased pressure and skull dysmorphology. Narrowing of the jugular foramen is a potential cause of venous hypertension and may contribute to the ICP.This study analyzes the size of the jugular foramina in an effort to relate the severity of the foraminal stenosis to timing of synchondroses fusion, seen earlier in Crouzon patients. Additionally, as right jugular foramina have been found to be larger than left in the general population, our study analyzes the right and left jugular foramen sizes in relationship to each other in each Apert and Crouzon patient.MethodsTwelve preoperative CT scans of individuals diagnosed with either Apert or Crouzon syndrome were individually segmented and volume of the right and left jugular foramina estimated in Avizo. Volumes were analyzed using Wilcoxon Rank Sum and Kruskal‐Wallis one‐way ANOVA tests in SPSS. Scatter plots of the ratio of right to left foraminal volumes were created using Excel. This study was conducted under LSUHSC IRB #920.Results and DiscussionInitial results found no significant differences between right and left jugular foramina, however, absolute measurement of volumes most often recorded larger volumes on the left, contrary to that seen in the normal population. Scatter plots revealed two distinct clusters based on ratio of left‐right asymmetry which may reflect a difference in diagnosis.

Underappreciated pioneers.

This contribution focuses on a 1928 multiauthor paper reporting the discovery of a child's skull at Devil's Tower cave on the Rock of Gibraltar. It was ground-breaking. Two of the lead authors, Dorothy Garrod and Dorothea Bate, were women, and it was one of the earliest reports of a fossil hominin to incorporate and integrate detailed information about its stratigraphic and environmental context.

Birth of Australopithecus.

The announcement of a fossilized child's skull discovered in a quarry in 1924 sub-Saharan Africa might not have seemed destined to be a classic paper. This contribution focuses on anatomist Raymond Dart's 1925 paper in which he designated the Taungs skull the type specimen of Australopithecus africanus. We combine an account of Dart's training and experience, with a telling of the fossil's discovery, analysis, the initial response of a mostly skeptical community, and a review of subsequent discoveries that consolidated the case Dart made for a hitherto unknown human close relative. Dart's paper presented evidence that confirmed the prescience of Charles Darwin's prediction that Africa was the birthplace of modern humans. The Taungs skull's unique mix of great ape and human attributes eventually led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of human evolution.

The House Has Teeth, and A History

The House Has Teeth, and A History Aldo Amparán (bio) The House Has Teeth It's the house that made me the house with windows that clatterlike bone & skin covered furniture rearranging itself a house haunted by fingerprint dust & the cops shooting boys with plastic toyguns in their hands cops shooting boys with plastic toy guns playing /good cop/ shooting boys who stole the milk /bad cop/ shooting dope at the back of the alley after busting the street hustlerthis house has teeth I know it I've seen themglow in the dark looming cylindrical like silver gun barrels over my bed I've been waiting for the jaw to hinge shut at my headfor the snap the fast beheading the chew & the swallow I live by the rattling wall where a white hand shoves my faceagainst that iron barrier because two tongues quarrel in my mouth I live where blue matter spreads through the ceiling poisoning my lungs o how this house shakes me every nightthe shape of a woman holding her breath the shape of my motherat the edge of the bed the shape of her mouth that o that wail that question that—what have you done to my son? [End Page 98] A History I want to stop writingabout the violencein this border, how it toreapart land into territory& settled therelike an infection. I want to stopwriting about the vanished,the vanished, the whereis she, the why her, the desertswallowing, the abandonedtruck stuffed with forgottenbodies, the brown skinshimmering with keroseneat a checkpoint, the bulletsplitting the Río Bravointo slivers of a child's skull,& how I left a countryfor the sake of my mother'ssleep. O, the echo of history'sdark. Instead, let me goback to a lover's bed,to the time before I fledthe city of my firsttemptation—howthe violence on the screen,where the actor would openher eyes, after the cut, & wipefake blood off her forehead,made the boy I lovedhold my hand tighter,on the couch, in his mother'shouse. I want to writeabout the small violenceof his teeth pullingat my lip, the summer [End Page 99] before the federalesspilled all throughthe city, their bluelights shiftingon the white bedspreadevery night since. [End Page 100] Aldo Amparán Aldo Amparán is the author of Brother Sleep (Alice James Books, forthcoming 2022), winner of the 2020 Alice James Award. He has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and CantoMundo. His work has appeared most recently in the Academy of American Poets' "Poem-a-Day," AGNI, Best New Poets, Ploughshares, and elsewhere. He lives in the border cities of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, CHIH, México. Copyright © 2021 Middlebury College

Возрастные особенности решетчатой кости у детей и их клиническое значение

Objective. To determine the variability of morphometric parameters of ethmoid bone structures in childhood and to identify the most significant of them to optimize surgical interventions. Materials and methods. Craniometry of 87 native samples of children's skulls aged 1-21 years without gender identity, and 85 computer tomograms (CT) scans of children of the same age were carried out. Measurements on skulls were made with caliper gage, metal ruler. The CT scan was performed on «Toshiba» 4-slice computer scanner «Asteion-S4» with a 0.5-1.0 mm increment. To assess the validity of the differences between the rows, the t-criterion was used for independent samples. Results. The ethmoidal labyrinth at the age of 1-1.5 and 2-3 years has the smallest size: length - 26.9-28.7 mm, width - 7.1-7.7 mm, height - 14.1-15.9 mm. However, the cribriform plate reaches in infancy almost the same size as an adult (length 21.7 mm, width 10.4 mm at the front and 11.2 mm at the back) and is rectangular or oval in shape. By adolescence, its shape changes to trapezoidal or triangular. Frequency of pneumatization of crista galli (8.3-82.4%) increases in children's age groups similar to that of sinuses. Trans-ethmoid access to the base of the skull during endonasal operations is significantly difficult in children under 4 years old. Transcribriform access to the anterior cranial fossa and crista galli can be used from infancy. Conclusion. The ethmoid bone is mostly formed by the time of birth. The increase is observed by the age of 2 years, and then in 13-16 years, in 17-21 years the growth of the ethmoid bone stabilizes.

AGE-RELATED VARIABILITY OF THE WIDTH OF THE NASAL MEATUSES ACCORDING TO DATA OF THE CRANIOMETRY

The use of video-endoscopic equipment in pediatric rhino-surgery necessitates a thorough study of the structure of the nasal cavity structures at different age periods. The aim of the study was to study the width of the nasal meatuses in childhood based on craniometrics data. Craniometry of 65 children's skulls was performed, divided into six groups (infancy, early childhood, first and second childhood, adolescence and youth). It was found that the width of the nasal meatuses increases unevenly with the age of the child; periods of the permanency are replaced by periods of growth. The maximum values of the width of the lower and middle nasal meatuses of the skull reach in adolescence, and the general meatuses - in adolescence. Also, an increase in the width of the middle and common nasal meatuses was revealed along their length from the anterior to posterior edges of the nasal conches by an average of 30%, while the width of the lower nasal meatuses remains constant. The ratios of the width of the lower and middle nasal meatuses to the width of the common nasal passages were determined depending on age. The width of the inferior nasal meatus to the width of the common nasal meatus at 1-1.5 years is 1: 2 at the level of the anterior end of the inferior nasal conchae and 1: 3 at the level of its posterior end, in other age groups it is 1: 1.5 and 1: 2 respectively. The width of the middle nasal meatus to the width of the common nasal meatus at the level of both ends of the middle meatus in each age group is 1: 1. The obtained data are of clinical importance for the choice of trans-nasal surgical access, for the choice of the size of endoscopic instruments, the diameter and angle of view of endoscopes, the preservation of age-related physiological relationships of the structures of the nasal cavity, and the reduction of the risk of intraoperative complications. Up to 4 years old, it is recommended to use endoscopes and endoscopic instruments of the smallest diameter; over 4 years old, the size of the nasal passages makes it possible to increase the diameter of the endoscopic set to improve access.

Palaeoenvironmental setting of Mojokerto Homo erectus, the palynological expressions of Pleistocene marine deltas, open grasslands and volcanic mountains in East Java

AbstractAimTo determine the vegetation and landscape experienced by Homo erectus populations which first inhabited Java.LocationPerning, near Mojokerto, East Java, the 1936 discovery locality of a fossil child's skull widely attributed to H. erectus, and laterally equivalent sediments at Jetis.TaxonTerrestrial, mangrove and aquatic plants.MethodsA comprehensive suite of samples was collected at close spacing through a coastal sedimentary succession analysed concurrently for its depositional origins. The section traversed particularly informative marine, delta front and delta plain deposits, including the bonebed in which the H. erectus was discovered.ResultsRich palynomorph recovery indicative of mangroves was obtained in the mud‐dominated marine Mollusk Member II at the base of the analysed section. The overlying deltaic strata are characterized by grass pollen and phytoliths, while still retaining mangrove and wetland signals in key samples near the level of the H. erectus bed.Main conclusionThe vertical stratigraphic series of facies in the Perning and adjacent Jetis sections indicates a landscape with four potential Homo habitats: muddy deltas with widespread Nypa swamps; a poorly vegetated sandy delta; extensive open savanna grasslands in the lowlands up river of the delta; and volcanoes in the upper reaches of the catchment with perhumid montane podocarp and broad‐leaf forests and probable open fire‐climax Casuarina junghuhniana forest. Palynological data support an Early Pleistocene geological age for Mojokerto H. erectus at about 1.43 Myr.

Analysis of positive rate of sinusitis in children with head and pituitary MRI

Objective: To investigate the incidence of asymptomatic sinusitis in children by magnetic resonance imaging. Method: Collected the head MRI of 1-12 years old children. According to the examination site,the MRI group and the pituitary MRI group (both sinus level) were included.The nasal-sinusitis-like changes in the field were used as positive criteria. Statistical analysis was conducted on the test results. Result: In 3 900 children with MRI, the positive rate of sinusitis was 30.21%. The positive rate increased from 2 years old to 3 years old and remained at the age of 11 years.The higher positive rate was slightly decreased at 12 years old; 1 228 cases of pituitary MRI examination, the positive rate of nasal-sinusitis was 38.27%, the positive rate increased significantly from the age of 2, reached the peak at 6 years old, and then fell back, still kept high positive rate, the lowest to 12 years old. The positive rate of total sinusitis was 32.14%. No obvious difference was found between two groups. Conclusion: Children's skull and pituitary MRI imaging suggests that the positive rate of nasal-innocuous sinusitis is related to age, peaking at 3 to 8 years old, and then gradually decreasing.

Cranial Remodeling Orthosis for Infantile Plagiocephaly Created Through a 3D Scan, Topological Optimization, and 3D Printing Process

ABSTRACT Purpose This article presents a novel design of a cranial remodeling orthosis (CRO) helmet developed through a three-dimensional (3D) scanning and 3D printing process to correct an infantile plagiocephaly. Materials and Methods This research merges a handheld scanner, computer-aided engineering (CAE), and fused deposition modeling (FDM) technologies to propose an alternative to traditional plaster casting. The study finds out all criteria that will merge with requirements, 3D scanning, topological optimization into the CAE, and 3D printing to implement the design for manufacturing (DFM) approach to get a reproducible process that is less invasive for the child. Results The project identifies the current limitations and creates design requirements and acceptance criteria to define a design and manufacturing process using a topological optimization method. Based on a child's skull 3D scan, the application aims to manufacture a CRO helmet due to clinical criteria by 3D printing. The new design aims to reduce the time from assessment to initial fitting and to reduce the temperature within the CRO. The project has manufactured a CRO helmet by fused depositing modeling in 3D printing to characterize its mechanical behavior and analyze the possible improvements. Conclusions Limitations were found in the material used in the 3D printing, and some recommendations are made to improve the method. The DFM approach is useful for improving the final product by considering manufacturing and use constraints as soon as possible in the design stage, such as part orientation, infill density, and topological optimization parameters as well as the practitioner' skills. The main novelty is to have developed a 3D scanning and 3D printing process to correct an infantile plagiocephaly to obtain a CRO helmet responding to use and manufacturing constraints while proposing a suitable organic shape.

Como a família pode estimular a criança com microcefalia?

A microcefalia é uma doença congênita que impede o crescimento normal do crânio da criança, quando comparadas a outras de mesma idade e sexo. Esta doença cursa com crescimento insuficiente do cérebro o que pode evoluir com diversas sequelas como atraso do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, dificuldade visual e auditiva, atraso mental, retardo na função motora seguido de disfunção da sensibilidade, fala, concepção e comportamento, hiperatividade, déficits de equilíbrio e coordenação, alterações faciais e respiratórias, acarretando transtornos musculoesqueléticos como deformações e contraturas. A família não estava preparada para lidar com um bebê com microcefalia e experimentará sentimentos de incerteza sobre a doença, sobrevivência e futuro da criança, além da mudança da rotina e dinâmica familiar, dependência de tratamentos e assistência de outras pessoas ou familiares. A criança necessitaram ser acompanhada por uma equipe multiprofissional e orientada a estimular o desenvolvimento e prevenir alterações e comprometimentos importantes no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. Para isso, necessitará receber muito apoio e orientação sobre estimulação e domiciliares. O objetivo deste estudo é realizar uma revisão bibliográfica para levantar as estratégias que podem ser usadas pela família para potencializar o desenvolvimento da criança com microcefalia. O estudo caracteriza-se como revisão bibliográfica, baseado em documentos governamentais e análise de artigos científicos publicados entre 2008 e 2018, através de consultas documentos governamentais e bases de dados on-line como SciELO, LILACS e Google Acadêmico entre fevereiro e abril de 2018, protagonizando as palavras chaves microcefalia, estimulação precoce, família, criança e desenvolvimento infantil. É de fundamental importância a articulação da família na extensão do seu domicílio para complementar as ações do fisioterapeuta e demais profissionais que acompanha esta criança. A família deve ter ação ativa na estimulação precoce da criança com microcefalia, através de estímulos táteis, auditivos, visuais, proprioceptivos, vestibulares, motores, e também ser encorajada a integrar-se a grupos de apoio à família, a fim de romper as barreiras do medo, angústia e da informação acerca do contexto que envolve seu filho.

Effect of different parts of skull thickness on stereotactic electroencephalogram in children

Objective: To investigate the thickness of cranial bone in different parts of children skull during stereotactic electroencephalogram (SEEG) and its effect on electrode fixation. Methods: From October 2016 to March 2017, 13 children with SEEG by robot of surgery assistant (ROSA) were selected. The basic case information and electrode design scheme were collected. The skull thickness of each electrode channel was measured on post-operation CT, and the loosening of the fixed screws were recorded. The thickness of skull in frontal bone, temporal bone, parietal bone and occipital bone was statistically processed by SPSS statistical software. Results: There were total 113 electrodes in 13 children with epilepsy. There were 45 electrodes at frontal bone, of which the thickness was (5.7±2.8)mm. There were 34 electrodes at temporal bone, of which the thickness was (3.5±1.3)mm.There were 16 electrodes at parietal bone, of which the thickness was (6.0±2.5)mm.There were 18 electrodes at occipital bone, of which the thickness was (6.9±0.5)mm. Statistics showed that there was significant difference between differnt bone (F=15.340, P<0.01). There were 4 electrodes loosening, 1 at frontal bone and 3 at temporal bone, when the screws were removed. There was no adverse event related to the implantation of electrodes. Conclusions: The children's skull thickness is thinner than adults. The screw loosening is exist in some cases, but it has no effect on SEEG recording. No SEEG related adverse events are found in this group. Therefore, ROSA guided SEEG is safe and reliable in children with epilepsy.

The Developing Skull Base: Anatomical and Surgical Issues for Hearing Implants

In this roundtable discussion, the developmental aspects of the inner ear, as well as the anatomical conditions of young children's skulls, are presented in order to make the different malformations of the inner ear understandable and to give hints for insertion procedures of the cochlear implants. The normal embryologic development of the inner ear, as well as of the middle ear, is explained and the typical disturbances are discussed. In the next part, two different classification schemes (Jackler, Sennaroglu) of the labyrinthine malformations are given and related to the developmental processes. The following entities are discussed: complete labyrinthine aplasia (Michel dysplasia), common cavity, cochlear aplasia, labyrinthine hypoplasia, cochlear and vestibular hypoplasia, and incomplete partition. Especially it will be outlined that malformations of the facial nerve must be expected if malformations of the inner ear are present. The special anatomical conditions of young children's skull are outlined and demonstrated. The following conclusions from the presentation can be summarized: Embryology is important to understand the malformations, skin incisions should not harm the facial nerve, which is superficially positioned directly under the skin in young children, an injury of the dura, sigmoid sinus or surface of the brain or the cerebellum is easily possible due to the very thin osseous structures, and furthermore the growth potential of the osseous skull can be responsible for lost or dislocation of the electrodes of cochlear implants. For this growth potential, especially the sutures and the mastoid fontanelle are responsible.

Penetrating head injuries in children due to BB and pellet guns: a poorly recognized public health risk.

OBJECT Nonpowder guns, defined as spring- or gas-powered BB or pellet guns, can be dangerous weapons that are often marketed to children. In recent decades, advances in compressed-gas technology have led to a significant increase in the power and muzzle velocity of these weapons. The risk of intracranial injury in children due to nonpowder weapons is poorly documented. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted at 3 institutions studying children 16 years or younger who had intracranial injuries secondary to nonpowder guns. RESULTS The authors reviewed 14 cases of intracranial injury in children from 3 institutions. Eleven (79%) of the 14 children were injured by BB guns, while 3 (21%) were injured by pellet guns. In 10 (71%) children, the injury was accidental. There was 1 recognized assault, but there were no suicide attempts; in the remaining 3 patients, the intention was indeterminate. There were no mortalities among the patients in this series. Ten (71%) of the children required operative intervention, and 6 (43%) were left with permanent neurological injuries, including epilepsy, cognitive deficits, hydrocephalus, diplopia, visual field cut, and blindness. CONCLUSIONS Nonpowder guns are weapons with the ability to penetrate a child's skull and brain. Awareness should be raised among parents, children, and policy makers as to the risk posed by these weapons.

Congenital dermoid inclusion cyst over the anterior fontanelle: report of two cases

Congenital dermoid inclusion cyst over the anterior fontanelle (CDIC) is an uncommon cystic lesion. It is a benign and curative lesion. In these two cases a soft, cystic mass located over the anterior fontanelle. The cyst had no intracranial extension and was easily excised intact. The clinical and image findings of the cysts were described and compared with the usual dermoids. Many different types of lesions over the children's skull exist and some are commonly diagnosed in daily practice. Congenital dermoid inclusion cyst over the anterior fontanelle (CDIC) is a rare and benign lesion.Pulse Vol.7 January-December 2014 p.42-45

Dosimetric Simulations of Brain Absorption of Mobile Phone Radiation–The Relationship Between psSAR and Age

As children develop, they differ from adults in a number of important ways, including anatomy, metabolism, immune system, and the extent of myelination of the nervous system. As a consequence, equivalent exposures to radiation from mobile phones result in different doses to specific tissues in children compared with adults. Higher doses are likely to have more severe implications in the young. A young child's skull is not only smaller and thinner than an adult's, but also has dielectric characteristics closer to those of soft tissues, probably due to a higher water content. The young skull better matches the electromagnetic characteristics of the skin and brain. As a result, finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations confirm field penetration and higher specific absorption rate (SAR) in deeper structures in the young brain. If the peak spatial SAR (psSAR) is modeled in the entire head, as current testing standards recommend, the results for adults and children are equivalent. Our anatomically based evaluations rely on FDTD simulations of different tissues within the brain and confirm that the psSAR in a child's brain is higher than in an adult's brain.