Computer-based model of the cerebro-spinal fluid dynamics coupled to the cardiac cycle

Abstract

Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF) flow dynamics have not been fully explained in terms of the physical forces that interact to propel CSF through the different cavities of the brain and spine. A complex CSF flow pattern has been identified and documented by cine-MRI and related in time to cardiac cycle. A hypothesis based on the concept of cyclical brain-compliance variation dependent on the cardiac cycle as the mechanism driving CSF is presented. A computer-based model explaining the relation between the cardiac cycle and CSF flow is presented as well.