A New Way to Prevent Brain Injuries in Athletes

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new device meant to protect athletes from brain injuries.

This new device, called Q-Collar, is a C-shaped neck collar that compresses the neck to increase blood volume in the head. In turn, this prevents movement of the brain within the skull.

The end result? A lower likelihood of sports-related brain injuries, according to the FDA.

The approval of Q-Collar "... provides an additional piece of protective equipment athletes can wear when playing sports to help protect their brains from the effects of repetitive head impacts while still wearing the personal protective equipment associated with the sport,” said Dr. Christopher M. Loftus, acting director of the FDA's Office of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices, in a press release.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) commonly occur during contact sports like football. Any forceful blow or jolt to the head can cause the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This can cause TBIs like concussions. As many as 3.8 million TBIs related to sports and recreation may occur in the United States each year, the FDA noted.

The Q-Collar is meant to prevent TBIs. By increasing blood volume in the head, this device causes the brain to fit more tightly inside the cranial cavity. This reduces the chance of the brain being jolted rapidly by blunt force.

The FDA approved the marketing of this device based on studies of 284 athletes who were 13 years old or older. These study participants played on a high school football team. Roughly 73 percent of those who did not wear the Q-Collar showed changes in their brains tied to brain injury via MRI. Meanwhile, 77 percent of those who did wear the device showed no such changes at all.

While this device is now approved to help prevent sports-related head injuries, the FDA noted that it should not replace traditional protective gear like helmets.

The Q-Collar may not be safe for everyone. According to the FDA, people with increased pressure in the skull, a recent head injury, seizure disorders, blood clots in the brain and several other related issues should not use this device.

This device is meant for over-the-counter sale, but you should not use it without first consulting a health care provider. Ask your doctor how you can prevent brain injuries during contact sports.

The FDA approved this device for Q30 Sports Science, LLC.