Quick Answer
No, helmets do not prevent concussions. While helmets are crucial for preventing skull fractures, scalp lacerations, and other serious head injuries, they do not significantly reduce concussion risk. This is because concussions are caused by the brain moving inside the skull—a motion that helmets cannot prevent.
Why This Myth Persists
The misconception that helmets prevent concussions is widespread and dangerous because:
- Visual protection - Helmets look protective, leading to a false sense of security
- Marketing claims - Some manufacturers have made misleading claims about concussion prevention
- Confusion about head injuries - People conflate skull protection with brain protection
- Risk compensation - Athletes may play more aggressively believing they're protected
Understanding the Mechanics
How Concussions Actually Happen
A concussion occurs when:
- The head experiences sudden acceleration or deceleration
- The brain moves rapidly inside the skull
- This movement stretches and damages brain cells
- Chemical changes disrupt normal brain function
What Helmets Do
Helmets are designed to:
- ✓ Prevent skull fractures by distributing impact force
- ✓ Reduce scalp lacerations and external head injuries
- ✓ Protect against penetrating injuries
- ✓ Decrease severity of impact to the skull
What Helmets Don't Do
Helmets cannot:
- ✗ Stop the brain from moving inside the skull
- ✗ Prevent rotational forces that cause concussions
- ✗ Protect against whiplash-type injuries
- ✗ Eliminate concussion risk in contact sports
The Research Evidence
Multiple scientific studies have examined helmet effectiveness:
- No significant reduction in concussion rates despite improved helmet technology
- Better helmets reduce skull fractures but not concussions
- Position and play style matter more than helmet type
Hockey Research
- Mandatory helmet use increased over decades, but concussion rates didn't decrease proportionally
- Face shields and visors don't reduce concussion risk
- Rule changes have been more effective than equipment changes
Cycling Evidence
- Helmets dramatically reduce skull fractures and fatal injuries
- Mixed evidence on concussion prevention
- Should always be worn despite limited concussion protection
The Risk Compensation Problem
An unintended consequence of helmet use is risk compensation - the tendency to:
- Play more aggressively believing you're protected
- Take greater risks during play
- Feel invulnerable to injury
- Engage in higher-impact activities
This behavioral change can actually increase injury risk despite wearing protective equipment.
What Actually Prevents Concussions
Evidence-based strategies that reduce concussion risk:
1. Rule Changes and Enforcement
Most effective prevention strategy:
- Banning checking from behind (hockey)
- Limiting contact in youth sports
- Penalizing dangerous play (targeting in football)
- Age-appropriate contact rules
2. Fair Play and Respect
Cultural changes:
- Emphasizing sportsmanship over aggression
- Discouraging "playing through pain"
- Removing the "tough it out" mentality
- Recognizing that brain health matters more than any game
3. Proper Technique Training
Skill development:
- Teaching safe tackling techniques (rugby, football)
- Proper checking form (hockey)
- Heading technique (soccer)
- Body positioning to avoid contact
4. Neck Strength Training
Emerging evidence suggests:
- Stronger neck muscles may reduce concussion risk
- Can resist sudden head movement
- Particularly important for female athletes
- Should be sport-specific
Reducing cumulative exposure:
- Most concussions happen in practice, not games
- Limiting full-contact drills reduces total head impacts
- Non-contact alternatives for skill development
- "Heads up" training methods
6. Education and Awareness
Knowledge is power:
- Teaching athletes to recognize concussion symptoms
- Empowering players to self-report
- Educating coaches on proper protocols
- Parent and official training
Equipment That Does Help
While helmets don't prevent concussions, some equipment modifications show promise:
Mouthguards
- May reduce concussion severity (research ongoing)
- Definitely protect teeth and jaw
- Custom-fitted work better than boil-and-bite
- Should be worn regardless of concussion benefit
Q-Collar (Unproven)
- Device worn around the neck
- Claims to reduce brain movement
- Research is mixed and controversial
- Not currently recommended by major medical organizations
Helmet Sensors
- Can track impact forces
- Help identify high-risk collisions
- Useful for research and monitoring
- Don't prevent injury but improve awareness
Important Clarifications
Still Wear Your Helmet!
Helmets are essential for:
- Preventing life-threatening injuries
- Reducing skull fractures
- Protecting against severe trauma
- Meeting safety regulations
The message isn't "don't wear helmets" - it's "don't rely on helmets alone for concussion prevention."
All Helmets Are Not Equal
For sports requiring helmets:
- Choose properly fitted, certified helmets
- Replace after significant impact or age-out
- Follow manufacturer guidelines
- Don't use damaged equipment
But remember: even the best helmet doesn't prevent concussions.
What Parents and Coaches Should Know
Key Messages for Families
- Helmets are important but not concussion-proof
- Sport selection matters - assess your child's risk tolerance
- Rule compliance and fair play protect better than equipment
- Education and recognition save lives
- "When in doubt, sit it out" applies to all athletes
Responsibilities of Coaches
- Don't promise protection from helmets
- Teach proper technique to minimize risk
- Enforce fair play rules consistently
- Limit unnecessary contact in practice
- Create a culture where reporting symptoms is encouraged
For Sports Organizations
- Implement evidence-based policies beyond equipment
- Require concussion education (like Rowan's Law mandates)
- Review rules regularly to minimize high-risk plays
- Track injury data to identify problems
- Support rule changes that prioritize brain health
The Bottom Line on Prevention
True concussion prevention requires a multi-faceted approach:
- ✓ Evidence-based rule changes
- ✓ Cultural shift toward player safety
- ✓ Proper technique training
- ✓ Limited unnecessary contact
- ✓ Education for all stakeholders
- ✓ Neck strengthening programs
- ✓ Immediate removal and proper protocols
Plus:
- Properly fitted, certified helmets (when required by sport)
- Awareness that helmets have limitations
Key Takeaways
- Helmets prevent skull fractures and severe head injuries, not concussions
- The brain moves inside the skull regardless of external protection
- Risk compensation can increase dangerous behavior
- Rule changes and technique are more effective than equipment
- Education and culture change are crucial for prevention
- Still wear helmets where required - they save lives from other injuries
- No single solution exists - prevention requires multiple strategies
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about concussion prevention?
Training for Your Organization? Shift Concussion Management offers comprehensive education programs for sports organizations, coaches, and athletic trainers. Explore our training options.
Need Guidance? Contact our team for consultation on implementing evidence-based concussion prevention strategies.
Article authored by Kailin Walter, DC, Director of Program Development at Shift Concussion Management. Last updated January 2025.
