“Although sports injuries contribute to fatalities infrequently, the leading cause of death from sports-related injuries is traumatic brain injury. Sports and recreational activities contribute to about 21 percent of all traumatic brain injuries among American children and adolescents”(AANS). A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a blow or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury that corrupts the normal function of the brain. TBI is when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or an object pierces the skull and enters the tissue of the brain. Symptoms of a TBI can range on three levels mild, moderate or severe, depending on the damage to the brain. Mild cases could result in a brief change in mental state or consciousness, while …show more content…
Head injuries have become a prominence in the news because of how the NFL hid facts on injured players. The NCAA and NFL have become pressured to create more restrictions on head contact and helmet regulations. New helmet designs like the Riddell SpeedFlex uses a flex system to decrease impact on the head. This new system has yet to hit the market or even the field yet, but received a five star review from Virginia Tech test. A protective helmet needs to fit the head snug, be strong yet light, and provide extensive padding. The materials needed to make this super helmet would include carbon fiber, air inflation system, and high impact padding. A strong mask with a large view to maximize protection and view. It is important to players that they have maximum view of the field. The SpeedFlex expands view with cutouts on each side of the eye to help side vision. Although football head injuries are a vast importance today their are more head injuries in cycling. Cycling helmets are all about ventilation and light weight causing them to lose protection. Popular cycling helmets also use plastic as a shell and that allows for lighter weight and makes the product cheaper, but takes away from the protection. A properly fitting cycling helmet needs a chin strap that holds the sung head into helmet. Chin straps are often looked at as pointless, and some rides may wear a helmet but not secure the strap