Why helmets don't prevent concussions -- and what might

This scientific report, commissioned by the Institute of Medicine, is written in a way that it is accessible to interested parents, coaches, and other non-scientist. The 332 page report is the most comprehensive resource on what we do and do not know about concussion. For the casual reader, the first 13 pages offer a succinct summary of their findings. Based on published research prior to this 2014 report, it is clear that there are more questions than answers, including inconclusive evidence that current helmets prevent against concussion.

When this book was first published, I was expecting a drama on the legal saga of the NFL versus the player’s association. To the contrary, what I found was a spellbinding scientific mystery story on the discovery of brain damage in NFL players. I recommend this exposé to anyone with interest on science history and corporate meddling, similar to what has been seen in the tobacco and other industries.

Will Smith plays Bennet Omalu,the Nigerian born county pathologist who first discovered brain damage in Mike Webster, a former Pittsburg Steeler. I am amazed that the NFL allowed use of its logo for this film since they are made out to be the evil empire. However, this story focuses more on the character Omalu rather than the comprehensive NFL cover-up detailed in League of Denial.

For those who would rather get straight into the scientific controversy of concussion in the NFL and avoid the personal stories of Mike Webster and Bennet Omalu, this 2 hour special is your best resource. Extremely well done, and controversial as ESPN’s support of this documentary was pulled at the last minute before it was aired.

This excellent piece of investigative reporting digs into the federal regulation of bike helmets and implicates a 1994 law that has stymied safety innovation. Specifically, the author gathers evidence that helmet manufacturers have little incentive to design beyond the simple government pass-fail criteria for skull fracture. The Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) has been unable to improve the test standards since passage of the law because of an onerous cost-benefit requirement that is specific to the CPSC and does not apply to other agencies, such as the FDA.

A timely warning to consumers about snake oil on the market for concussion products. The author implies that sloppy science, irresponsible funding decisions by the Department of Defense, and lack of regulation have led to the current mess.

In February 2015, the NFL put it sensors program on hold. While the NFL has been criticized for this move, I agree with them that the sensors available at that time were insufficient to carry out a quality study.