Sports related head injuries – Safebrain Here to Help

Over the past few months we have written several posts about head injuries, concussions and brain impairments from sports related trauma. In response to our last post, we were contacted by a representative of a Canadian company that is doing some absolutely incredible work to study and hopefully prevent sports related traumatic brain injuries. If you have not seen it, check it out – Safebrain Systems, Inc.

Safebrain – like us – is very passionate about head injury awareness. They have developed a system where sensors are placed in or on the helmet of an athlete. The sensors act like a "black box" for the brain. G-forces from impacts are measured in determining if a head injury has occurred. If the sensors pick up that a certain G-force threshold is exceeded, an LED light comes on to alert others (generally trainers, coaches and medical staff) that a possible concussion or traumatic brain injury has occurred.

The data is then uploaded into a computer with software developed by Safebrain that allows doctors to view a graph of the G-force readings and the total inertia and force exerted on the helmet – and the brain. The goal is to protect athletes and assist doctors and trainers with concussion recognition and response to reduce the risk of second impact syndrome.

Safebrain and other systems like it can be a valuable resource to any sports organization from little leagues to the pros. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries have become an epidemic in contact sports these days. The athletes are stronger, faster and greater is the risk of head and brain injuries. Hopefully, communities and sports associations such as the Florida High School Athletic Association, NCAA and the NFL – just to name a few – will support and promote these safety systems to protect the athletes and our children.