A helmet designed by the U.S. military to protect soldiers from traumatic brain injuries during explosions could actually cause worse medical damage, researchers concluded.
The Army Times reported that officials with the Naval Research Laboratory have been testing a myriad of designs on the helmet, which is called the Conformal Integrated Protective Headgear System and which nearly covers the face of the wearer.
But they haven’t been able to find a prototype that truly protects the jaw and face from blasts, while at the same time prevents the skull from suffering more damage from the waves that emanate from the bombs or explosions, The Blaze reported.
Researchers are concluding that while the helmet may cover more of the face, it doesn’t actually protect from more explosive effects.
“In some cases, waves trapped by the geometry produced increased pressure when reduced pressure was expected,” the researchers found. “Specific injury mechanisms and prediction of injury severity … remains elusive.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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