Science of the head

“A disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury.”

The description above is the CDC’s definition of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Symptoms of TBI may last a few days or a lifetime. Thought, memory, vision, hearing, movement and emotional functioning can be impaired.

Most TBIs are mild (often referred to as concussions) and may result in unconsciousness or a brief change in mental status. Severe cases can lead to memory loss, prolonged periods of unconsciousness or even death. Most TBIs occur as the result of a fall, according to in-depth reports in 2014. Blunt force trauma to the head is the second leading cause.

Aerial of three people in helmets in dusty environment

These injuries are like scrambling an egg that’s still in the shell. The brain floats in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the skull. If the head is suddenly jarred, the skull can move too quickly for the CSF to adjust. The brain is bruised when it hits the side of the skull. In a rotational impact scenario where the head and neck are twisted, the brain can rotate and neurons and tissues can become strained, believed to be a major factor in axonal injury.

That said, exact causes of brain injury are still unknown. Is it always dependent on the acceleration of the head? The force of impact? The angle or direction of impact? How does a number of sub-concussive impacts over time, such as what a football player undergoes, affect the brain? Team Wendy is actively working and collaborating with scientists and medical professionals to answer questions like these and advance society’s understanding of TBI.

Truer-to-life testing

Team Wendy continues to conduct internal and independent testing to understand how helmet and liner designs can lessen rotational accelerations.

Testing

Science of the head

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury

Truer-to-life testing

Using Patrol Vehicles for Cover

Live Helmet Shoot | Team Wendy RIFLETECH

Live Helmet Shoot | EXFIL SL

Twelve Meters and the Truth: What We Saw at the RIFLETECH™ Shoot

Why We Use the NOCSAE Head Form

Choosing the right helmet for search & rescue

Choosing the Right Helmet for Search and Rescue Operations

Evolving Standards in Ballistic Helmet Evaluation

Have we been looking at ballistic helmets all wrong?

Tips for Maintaining Your Team Wendy SAR Helmet

Rewriting the Ballistic Helmet Playbook

Police Chief Magazine: Exposition February 2025

Products

Missions

Applied Sciences

About

Find a dealer

Support

Shop