Selecting and Changing Protective Helmets

The range of contact and non-contact sports in which traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) and mild brain injuries (such as concussions) can occur is broad. Many contact sports come to mind, such as football and soccer. Other less obvious athletic activities that can result in those kinds of injuries, include swimming, diving and gymnastics.

There are millions of individuals who become catastrophically injured in athletic activities of all types. Many can result in neurological injuries, cognitive deficits and all other manner of multiple trauma. The trauma always requires acute care and usually requires innovative post-acute rehabilitation at a facility such as NeuLife Rehab in Mount Dora, Florida.

Prevention of these kinds of traumatic brain injuries is key. Helmets can be an important part of prevention. But not just any helmet and not the same one for all activities. Here are a few factors to consider:

• During a typical impact, much of the impact energy is absorbed by the helmet, rather than by the head and brain. There is no proof that a helmet, even a good one, will prevent a concussion, so watch out for claims that a particular one will.
• Not all helmets are the same. There are different helmets for different activities. Each type of helmet is made to protect an individual’s head from the kind of impact typically associated with the activity. Be sure to wear a helmet that is appropriate for the activity in which you are participating. Helmets that meet that standard will be marked, usually on the inside liner or attached to the chinstrap. But don’t rely strictly on the manufacturer’s representation. You can check the website or publications of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for confirmation.Helmets should be both comfortable and snug. If not comfortable, the individual may not wear it; if not snug, it will not serve the purpose.
• Some helmets are designed to withstand multiple impacts, such as football helmets, while others are not. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, much depends upon how much the helmet was used and how it was cared for. For example, if it was routinely left in the sun, both the plastic shell and the cushioning material may degrade the protective characteristics of the helmet1.

Helmets, as well as player and team diligence in inspecting and changing the helmets as needed is vital to the protection of an athlete. Yet, mild and traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) will continue in contact sports. When they and other catastrophic or debilitating injuries do happen, acute care is always immediately required. Thereafter, innovative post-acute rehabilitation like that provided by the multi-disciplinary team at NeuLife Rehab will likely also be needed.

When an individual becomes a Client of NeuLife Rehab he or she undergoes an independent functional evaluation by a multidisciplinary team that may include:

• Board Certified Neurologist
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• Board Certified Physiatrist
• Neuropsychologist
• Psychologist
• Board Certified Psychiatrist
• Speech Language Pathologist/Cognitive Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Nurses
• Certified Rehab Counselor

Proper and timely post-acute rehabilitation that may determine the difference between disability and independence is what NeuLife refers to as the “platinum post-acute period” —  the crucial window following acute care that is needed to nurture the whole person to health with specialized, clinically relevant services.
NeuLife’s philosophy is that healing, wellness and personal fulfillment are best achieved in a positive and uplifting therapeutic environment where caring staff encourages, assists and supports each client so he or she may achieve specific goals. NeuLife believes personal fulfillment is equally as important as goals to achieve function and independence.
NeuLife, in Mount Dora, Florida, is an accessible residential post-acute program providing specialized rehabilitation to individuals diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury
(TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Amputations, Burns and other Catastrophic Injuries and Challenging Diagnoses.

2725 Robie Avenue
Mount Dora, Florida 32757