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General Prevention for Head, Neck & Face Injuries

July 10, 2006 Send this Article to a FriendPrint This Article

Author: HyperStrike Certified Athletic Trainers

Overview Individuals are most susceptible to head, neck and face injuries during contact and collision sports; however, the potential for these injuries exists in all sports.

Using properly fitted equipment can help reduce the incidence of injury:
• Helmets
• Ear ware/guards
• Facemasks/guards
• Mouthguards
• Eye ware

Helmets

Helmets are required for collision sports or where there are high-velocity forces. Helmets are worn and mandatory for football, ice hockey, baseball, softball, and lacrosse, and there are certain measures and standards by which a helmet is fitted to an individual’s head. A trained and experienced individual in helmet fitting should be used to determine the proper fit of a helmet.

All helmets used for the above sports must also meet specific standards and guidelines as set forth by either the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE ) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC) of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). 1

All football, lacrosse, baseball and softball helmets must meet NOCSAE standards, and all ice hockey helmets must meet the approval of the CSA. All helmets are required to have the NOCSAE or CSA mark or stamp visible on the outer surface of the helmet.

While high velocity forces may not be a risk factor in sports such as cycling or roller derby, it is highly recommended and/or required (depending on the governing body of that sport) to wear a helmet to prevent head injuries.

Finally, individuals must be well educated on the principles of contact and collision sports. Individuals must be taught proper tackling, checking, and sliding techniques to lessen the incidence of head and neck injuries.

Ear ware/guards

Ear wear/guards are most commonly worn among boxers, wrestlers, water polo players, and rugby players, where the incidence of ear trauma is greatest. Wearing protective ear guards can help prevent against injury and/or permanent disfigurement (i.e. Hematoma Auris or Auricular Hematoma).

Proper application of the ear guards involves a snug fit of the equipment around the head, ears and chin; it should not slide or move from position. Finally, the ear cup depth and diameter should be large enough to not compress the ear. To read more about ear injuries/conditions, see “Auricular Hematoma” under the “Face, Eyes, Ear Injuries and Conditions” section of the injury library.

Facemasks/guards

Facemasks/guards are used in contact sports, fencing, and sports involving flying projectiles. There is a variety of different facemasks/guards, each varying in design based on the demands of the sport and the level of protection required for an individual’s playing position.

Mouthguards

Mouthguards are used to prevent dental and oral soft tissue injuries. Mouthguards have also been theorized to decrease the severity of jaw fractures, cerebral concussions and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries as they help to absorb energy and disperse the impact of a blow. 1 There are various types of mouthguards, some which can be purchased over the counter while others can be custom created. Regardless of the type of mouthguard, it is important that it: a) fits snuggly to the teeth, b) covers the teeth above the gumline, and c) extends all the way back to cover the last molars. Properly fitting mouthguards should not impede speech or restrict breathing; it should fit comfortably, ‘like a glove.’

Eye ware

Eye injuries are probably the most preventable injuries, and there is a variety of protective eye ware including goggles, face shields and spectacles. 1 Individuals who wear corrective lenses (i.e. contacts or glasses) and/or those who wish to take precautions to prevent eye injuries should seek the advise and services of an Optometrist.

An optometrist can explain the various types of protective eye ware and determine the best type of eye ware for an individual; protective eye ware must be individual and sport specific. 2

References

1. Anderson MK, Hall SJ, Martin M. Foundations of Athletic Training: Prevention, assessment and management. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005:47, 50-52.
2. Prentice WE. Arnheim’s Principles of Athletic Training: A competency-based approach. 11th ed. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill; 2003:177-178.
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