Ask most people the first thing that comes to mind when they hear the word “helmet” and they will likely think of sports such as hockey or football that require protection against head injuries. Head protection is also important for special needs children who have conditions such as cerebral palsy, head injuries, or other issues that impact balance as well as seizure disorders and during recovery from brain surgery. Here are a few of the innovative models carried by Rehabmart.

Made from closed cell EVA foam, the Playmaker Headgear offers lightweight protection for children recovering from head injuries or surgery as well those living with balance issues. A Velcro chin strap holds it firmly in place. The Lycra covering comes in a choice of black, hunter green or blue, and is hand washable in cold water. It’s designed with an open facial area to allow for maximum peripheral vision.  The Playmaker comes in six different sizes to fit heads from 18 to 26 inches in circumference. 

For children and young adults who need soft protection due to conditions such as cerebral palsy and hemophilia, the Toppen 77 Hat Protective Helmet is an ideal choice for everyday use. It’s made of half-inch dense foam with a latex free blue nylon exterior and red cotton interior that not only makes it attractive, but also very easy to clean with a trip through the washer followed by line drying. A threaded buckle and ventilated top help to keep the wearer cool and comfortable. The Toppen 77 is available in sizes that will fit infants to young adults for everyday use. The manufacturer does not recommend use for children with seizure disorders.

While it may look like the headgear worn by competitors in equestrian events, the Deluxe Hard Shell Helmet with Visor provides comfortable protection with a sporty look for day to day activities. Don’t let its light weight of eighteen ounces fool you; its half-inch thick liner is constructed to absorb almost any shock should the wearer take a tumble or have a seizure while wearing it. Other features to ensure comfort and style include a chin strap with a cushioned rubber cup and a choice of two colors: either a black helmet and liner or a cream helmet with tan liner. Options include a rear hard shell extension, custom strapping system, ear coverings, quick release chin buckles, and a variety of pads and liners for a custom fit.

When protection needs to focus on the occipital and temporal areas, the Halo Helmet is a good choice. Made of 5/8ths-inch thick foam, it encircles the head like a halo with an open top for maximum ventilation, while its adjustable straps cross over the crown for stability. The Halo comes in seven different sizes to accommodate a wide variety of wearers and is available in a choice of tan, blue, or pink with a chin strap in rainbow stripes, brown, or black. Options and accessories include a back of the neck strap, pads and liners, and a Velcro chin strap.

For patients recovering from brain surgery, the Clear Post-Op Helmetprovides protection while allowing easy monitoring of the surgical site. The polycarbonate helmet comes in one size and uses pads to stay lifted off the affected area. A series of holes and perforations allow ventilation, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable. 

When the wearer is prone toward falling face first, a good choice is the Danmar Hard Shell Helmet with Face Guardwhich provides protection from injuries to the mouth, nose, and eyes. The Lexan face guard pivots up and down so that the wearer may eat, tend to dental hygiene, or take medicine without having to remove the helmet. Openings over the eyes and mouth in the standard guard allow for unobstructed vision and maximum ventilation. The bottom edge of the guard is coved in foam for comfort. Standard colors include black with black liner or cream with a choice of a pink, royal blue, or tan liner. A range of custom colors are also available. Sizes range from xx-small for young children up to x-large for adults. Other options and accessories to ensure the perfect, customized fit include modifications to the face guard, ear coverings, stabilizing side tabs, custom strapping systems, and additional padding. 

Whether the wearer lives in a private residence or an institutional setting, protective helmets offer an extra layer of protection against head injuries caused by falls or by seizures. The world may not be inclined to pad sharp corners and hard surfaces, but wearing one of these helmets enhances the ability to move safely in the world while reducing the risk of injuries.  

Fran Jablway,
Senior Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO