Helmets: the first defense against football concussions

From head to toe, football players need a wide range of safety equipment to protect themselves during games and practices. While improvements in football helmet design through the years have helped reduce the incidence and severity of concussions, it’s still important for athletes in every sport to be aware of the symptoms of concussions and be evaluated if they suffer a head injury.

“Concussions are injuries that many people consider to be just another part of the football experience, but they’re not to be ignored,” said Jennifer Del Rossi, MPT, concussion specialist at Chester County Hospital. “If you or someone you know has experienced a fall or blow to the head, it's better to be on the safe side, and see a provider immediately. Concussions that go untreated—as well as repeat head injuries—can lead to lasting brain damage or immediate health issues.”

To kick off the conversation before delving into an understanding of concussion symptoms and recovery, we’re taking a quick look back at the evolution of helmets and the advancements that have greatly improved safety for athletes engaging in one of America's favorite sports.

Football helmet evolutions enhance safety

You may not realize how much helmets have evolved over the past 100 years, reducing concussions in athletes of all ages. Until 1943, NFL players weren’t even mandated to wear this protective equipment.

Football helmets look very different today than they did in the early 1900s when they were made out of the same soft leather as shoes, offering little protection. Plastic eventually replaced the leather and face bars and masks were added. It wasn’t until the 1960s and ’70s that foam padding was added to the construction.

Today, football helmets typically have a layer of leather closest to the skin, covered with foam, then aluminum, and finally, an outside shell of polycarbonate, protecting players from head injuries like concussions.

While there have been huge improvements, manufacturers like Riddell and Carbon continue to strive to make helmets safer, including creating customized 3D-printed liners that upon impact, allow helmets to better absorb force from a blow.

Symptoms of concussion

Even when wearing protective equipment, concussions can happen and are serious injuries that may produce long-term health effects. A fall, sports injury, car accident, assault, or other direct injury to the skull can cause a concussion. If you have a mild concussion, Del Rossi explained that you may experience:

• Headache
• Memory loss
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Feeling of dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• Drowsiness or change in your sleep
• Flashing lights in your vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling like you have “lost time”

Concussion treatment and recovery

Concussions can take days, weeks, or even months to heal, depending on the kind of injury and the symptoms you experience. There are different levels of concussions. Some are more serious and severe. That is one of the reasons it is important to get expert medical attention right away if you experience a head injury.

Penn Medicine providers can test you for concussion and monitor your progress over time. They will determine if you need more support, like post-concussion therapy, to help you recover. Concussion therapists will provide an individualized plan with a treatment program with home activities.

While concussions can be frightening, by taking proper safety measures when engaging in sports and other activities, and acting quickly to get proper care if you experience a blow to the head, you can minimize the chance of serious and long-term consequences.