Strengthening the Forces: your helmet and your head

Defence Stories 

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It may come as a surprise to many: did you know that according to the scientific evidence available, even the best helmets cannot prevent concussions? Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent on the design of protective helmets for many different sports, yet despite this enormous investment, there continues to be no such thing as a concussion-prevention helmet for any sport – regardless of how expensive a helmet is. 

 

Right now, you may be asking – why bother wearing a helmet then, when you are biking, skiing, rollerblading or playing hockey and football? Even though helmets have not been shown to prevent concussions, they continue to be an important piece of protective equipment. When properly worn, helmets are very effective at preventing cuts to the scalp, brain bleeds and skull fractures– damage that can be permanent and disabling.  

 

So why can’t a helmet prevent a concussion? This is due to the way the human head is designed. You have the hard bony covering of the skull, a set of protective membranes and the brain floating in a pool of fluid. As a result, when you get hit, your brain moves around inside your skull like a yolk inside an egg. If you are hit hard enough, your brain will bang around inside your skull and get bruised at the points of impact. Since almost all hits apply some rotational force to the head, this will subject the brain to forces that can cause microscopic tears to the brain and its blood vessels. 

 

Even if helmets won’t prevent concussions, wearing one is a smart idea. Wearing a helmet is the law in B.C. and you could be fined for not wearing one, and the benefit to you is greatest if your helmet: 

• Fits properly – snug and comfortable! 
• Is the right design for your sport. 
• Has a chin strap that is done up, so your helmet doesn’t fall off. 
• Is in good repair. 
• Is sticker free – stickers will weaken the plastic! 
• Is safety certified by CSA, CPSC or ASTM. 

Remember, your helmet won’t be much help if it is sitting in the garage when you fall off your bike! You only have one brain;  please take good care of it! 

 

Learn more about preventing concussions with Brain Injury Canada – www.braininjurycanada.ca.