This article is being republished on The Concussion Blog with permission from Paul D. Anderson of http://www.nflconcussionlitigation.com. Paul is @PaulD_Anderson on twitter and has been a huge asset to this awareness campaign, make sure you also have his website in your rotation.
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Can a helmet, mouth guard, helmet shell, or other sporting equipment prevent or reduce concussions? Absolutely not! Whenever sufficient forces are transmitted to the brain–via a hit to the head or body–nothing can prevent the brain from slamming against the skull.
Unfortunately, companies are taking advantage of the concussion crisis by marketing their products as having the capability to reduce or prevent concussions.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently slapped Brain-Pad with an administrative complaint for violating Section 5(a) of the FTC Act. The FTC found that Brain-Pad’s marketing was false and misleading.
Some examples of the marketing used by Brain-Pad consisted of the following:
- “Reduces risk of CONCUSSIONS!”
- “Reduces the risk of concussion from: facemask impact, chin cup forces & direct lower jaw impact.”
- “Creates new brain safety space!”
- “Tested and proven to reduce risk of internal head injuries and concussion from lower jaw impacts”
- “BIOMECHANICALLY TESTED & PROVEN.”
- YouTube: “Brain Pad Protective and Performance Mouth Guards”
Brain-Pad and its President, Joseph Manzo, entered into a proposed consent order with the FTC, which will require Brain-Pad to cease making unsubstantiated claims that the mouth guards can prevent or reduce concussions. Once the order becomes final, and if Brain-Pad continues to make false claims, it will be hit with monetary fines of up to $11,000 for each violation.
Although this is a step in the right direction, other companies continue to make similar claims. Furthermore, Continue reading →
Tags: Guest Post, John Gonoude, Mouth Guards, Paul Anderson, Snake Oil
