- Home
- Humana Medicaid
- Kentucky Medicaid
- Medicaid extras
- Health and wellness
- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
Why Wear a Helmet If It Can't Prevent Concussions?
My friend told me that helmets don't prevent concussions. So what's the point of wearing one when I ride my bike?
Here's why people wear helmets when biking, skiing, or doing other activities that can lead to head injuries: Helmets are a way to help protect your head from injuries like cuts and skull fractures. Always wear a helmet when doing any sport or activity where there's a chance you might hit your head against something like a tree, the ground, or another person.
Your friend is right: No helmet can prevent concussions. There's no way to keep the brain from moving inside the skull. If you hit your head hard enough, your brain can bang into the hard bone and cause a concussion.
Some "special" sports helmets and other new products claim that they can protect you from concussions. But studies don't back up these claims. As long as a helmet is right for your sport, hasn't been damaged, and is approved by the sport's governing body, it really doesn't matter how much it costs or how fancy it is.
Concussions aren't always preventable. But you can avoid other serious problems by taking care of yourself if you get one. If you take a hit to the head while playing sports, sit out the rest of the game and get advice from your doctor.
- Concussions (Topic Center)
- When Can Teens Go Back to Sports After a Concussion?
- Dealing With Sports Injuries
- What Happens if You Keep Playing Sports When You're Injured?
- ATV Safety
- Bike Safety
- Safety Tips: Sledding
- Safety Tips: Snowboarding
- Safety Tips: Skiing
- Safety Tips: Wrestling
- Safety Tips: Football
- Safety Tips: Skateboarding
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.