“Helmets and mouthguards can prevent serious head and facial injuries, but there is no evidence they specifically stave off concussion, top authorities in sports medicine say. Paradoxically, wearing this protection may lead to injuries because a player is tempted to take greater risks, they say. ‘Biomechanical studies have shown a reduction in impact forces to the brain with the use of head gear and helmets, but these findings have not been translated to show a reduction in concussion incidence.’ There can also be a ‘paradoxical increase in injury rates’ when players, kitted out in protective gear, adopt more dangerous tactics.”
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/03/11/no-proof-that-helmets-prevent-concussion-experts/
