Do hockey helmets prevent concussions?

Hockey helmets are designed primarily to protect the head and skull from direct impact and to reduce the risk of severe head injuries, such as skull fractures and lacerations. They are an essential piece of safety equipment for hockey players. However, it's important to understand that while hockey helmets provide a high level of protection against some head injuries, they are not specifically designed to prevent concussions.

Concussions are a type of brain injury that can occur when the brain moves or rotates rapidly within the skull. They are typically the result of sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head, such as during a collision or impact. Helmets, including hockey helmets, are designed to absorb and disperse the force of an impact, reducing the risk of skull fractures and more severe head injuries. They also offer some protection against concussions by minimizing direct blows to the head.

However, the prevention of concussions is a complex issue, and helmets cannot entirely eliminate the risk. Factors such as the speed and force of the impact, the angle of the impact, and the rotational forces involved all play a role in concussion risk. No helmet can completely eliminate the possibility of a concussion in a high-impact sport like hockey.