Georgia High School Seeks to Reduce Risk of Severe Brain Injury with New Helmets

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a serious public health issue, particularly in the case of student athletes. For years, concussions were commonly misdiagnosed or ignored, while students continued to play with brain injuries. Medical professionals now assert that this type of negligence can lead to long-term brain injuries and even early deaths.

In an effort to better protect its football players from TBIs, a southern Georgia high school is trying out a new type of football helmet. The players of Valdosta High School are wearing helmets designed to reduce impact to the head during play. The Guardian Cap is made of a soft shell, instead of the hard plastic used on traditional helmets.

As reported by The Register-Herald, players wear these helmets over their usual helmet by attaching four elastic straps to the face mask. According to Guardian Innovations, the helmet makers, their product decreases the force of linear acceleration, which focuses at the top of the helmet. The helmet reportedly reduces this impact by up to 33 percent. Thus far, they have provided more than 50,000 Guardian caps to schools and colleges nationwide, along with numerous youth football leagues.

The risk of sports-related concussions

Though brain injury data is still developing, a knowledgeable Atlanta brain injury attorney understands its complexities and potential long-term consequences, such as:

• Long term memory loss
• Emotional challenges
• Limited functioning of limbs
• Abnormal speech
• Attention deficits
• Diseases such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) or dementia

Experts are split over the effectiveness of the Guardian Cap in the prevention of concussions. While some feel it is a good step in the right direction, others assert that the real danger lies in angular acceleration, instead of linear acceleration. Angular acceleration is more likely to impact the crown of the head, instead of the top. Still other medical experts point out that knowledge about the long-term effects of sports-related concussions is continuously developing, as medical experts study TBI prevention and treatment. The use of Guardian Caps has reportedly been authorized by the National Federation of State High School Associations for practices as well as games.

If you or your child experienced a TBI, attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP may be able to help. We offer free initial consultations and provide personal injury services on a contingency basis, meaning clients are not charged attorney’s fees until a settlement or verdict has been achieved. Put our experience and knowledge to work in your traumatic brain injury case. Call our Atlanta office today at 404-961-7650, our lawyers in Savannah at 912-651-9967, or complete this online form to schedule a free consultation.