A C-shaped neck collar may reduce brain injury from head impacts, according to studies performed by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
The Q-Collar was developed by Q30 Innovations in Westport, Conn. The device gently compresses the jugular vein to slightly increase blood volume in the head, creating a bubble wrap effect around the brain. The device aims to prevent "slosh" — the slamming of the brain against the skull that causes mild traumatic brain injury or concussion.
Researchers conducted studies of both hockey and football players, measuring and recording head impact. MRI scans were performed during and after the sport seasons to detect changes in the brain's white matter — an indication of brain injury. For both studies, athletes wearing the Q-Collar saw no statistically significant changes in their brains' white matter. Athletes who did not wear the collar showed alterations in white matter after receiving the same amount of impact as those who wore the collar.
Q30 Innovations intends for the Q-Collar to be used by athletes, soldiers and industrial workers. Currently, the collar is undergoing additional research and testing and will not be available in the U.S. until it earns approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
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