The Effect of Different Types of Helmet on Brain Injury

Abstract

Objective : Effectiveness of helmets in reducing head injury in motorcyclist is well established. There is limited data regarding to which helmet types protect riders from brain injuries. The effect of helmet type on risk traumatic brain injuries during motorcycle crashes.

Material and Methods : In this case-control study, medical records of motorcyclists were reviewed for patient demographics, helmet types, fasten helmets, ISS, incidence of traumatic brain injuries and facial bone fracture. The outcome of interest was incidence of traumatic brain injuries between full-face helmets and other helmet types.

Results : There were 463 patients in this study, 70 patients reported traumatic brain injury (case group) and 393 patients without traumatic brain injury (control group). Compared with motorcyclists wearing full-face helmets and other helmets type, those wearing full-face helmets were less likely to have brain injuries (OR 0.41; 95 %CI 0.21- 0.79). Compared helmet fasten status, fasten helmets decreased risk of brain injury (OR 0.32; 95 %CI 0.17-0.62). Helmet dislodged during collision increased risk of brain injury (OR 4.19; 95 %CI 2.18-8.04)

Conclusion : Full-face helmet more likely to protect brain injuries during crash. Moreover, fasten helmet and helmet fixation while collision provided potential protection against brain injuries.