Helmets as fall risk management

Posted Le 21 avril 2022

Hi everyone!

I work in acute care on a neurosciences unit, and I wonder how common it is to use helmets in patients who do not have a bone flap. After a traumatic brain injury, sometimes neurosurgeons need to remove a piece of skull to allow swelling. This is usually replaced about 3 months after the injury. In that time, patients only have a thin layer of skin and dura. 

From what I can tell, some acute care and rehab facilities have helmets as being mandatory, while some do not.

If you do use helmets:

- Is it store bought? Or a custom designed orthotic? 

- Does the family pay?

- Any issues with pressure injury or skin breakdown?

I am very interested in bringing this practice to my unit, but want to get a sense of any issues or barriers before going forwards, and there doesn't seem to be much published in the scientific literature.

Thanks for your help!

Hayley