New helmet tests to protect from brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is any jolt or blow to the head causing injury to the brain. It may lead to temporary or permanent disability, and in severe cases can be fatal. While car accidents are one of the more common causes, sports athletes are also highly susceptible to traumatic brain injuries.

Due to the aggressive nature of the game, football players are especially vulnerable to brain injuries. Many new technologies are being studied to help protect athletes from such perils. Some smartphone applications have even been developed to immediately recognize brain injuries. While helmets are designed for protection against severe injuries, there is still room for improvement.

The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment is implementing new helmet testing criteria to make helmets more effective. The new process will test the helmets for rotational acceleration along with the pre-existing criteria. The new testing could ultimately improve safety for professional football players and for participants at all levels, including children. While professional players may be able integrate new technology with the new helmets, the old ones would not necessarily be replaced.

Every year, thousands of people in the United States are hospitalized due to traumatic brain injuries. Some of these injuries are from sports, but others are a result of car accidents or slip and fall accidents.

The medical expenses in most brain injury cases are typically very high. In some cases, the victim of such injuries can get compensation. In such cases, an attorney may be a good guide to help the victim of a traumatic brain injury or the victim’s family.

Source: CTPost.com, “New tests for helmets proposed in concussion fight”, Lauran Neergaard, June 23, 2014