Brain-Pad

It’s About Dang Time

Dustin Fink3 Comments

Last week the Federal Trade Commission came to a settlement with the company Brain-Pad Inc., to curtail and stop its misleading advertising about concussions.  The details were not readily available but the fact that someone is taking notice makes me smile.  As you may remember I have taken them and others to task about their claims; and have yet to get any formal or coherent response from any company after I ask real questions.

It is about time companies are punished for making outrageous and untrue claims in the concussion area.  I am all for innovation and invention; that is where our solutions will come from.  In the area of concussion companies can prey on the less informed general public to shape their product.  While some products “claim” that they do not promote concussion prevention they feed emails and media enough information about its “possible” properties that a leap is natural.  Heck some companies use “research” to tout claims; the problem with Continue reading →

Mouth Gear Controversy (UPDATED)

Dustin Fink7 Comments
Courtesy of Jonathan Harford via Flickr

It is called “mouth gear” because many outfits are trying to cash in on the concussion issue. This is certainly a hot topic and one that I am not afraid to wade into. I also feel that it is good time to bring it up because, well, my inbox is slammed full of information.

It began with an email from Mark (REDACTED), EVP of (REDACTED) who makes mouth “orthotics” and mouth guards.  For the purposes of this discussion, we will call anything inserted to the mouth, mouth gear.  I was presented some research material that showed that using such mouth gear that concussions could be reduced(Dental_Traumatology%20Publication).  In the discussion it presented that more information and study is needed to look into this orthotic for the mandible area.  But what they are using to base that on is a very limited and uncontrolled subject pool.  28 subjects that have not only grown in age, but in size, and awareness of concussions.  This subject pool only was defined as “competitive” seasons as the longevity of the study.  Did that mean the subjects went from high school sports to college, or just competitive intramural sports in college?  Did the subject stop playing football during that time and pick up golf?  It does not say, all limitations to the study and huge factors in reducing concussions.

Heck even the website has some misinformation on it, look for yourself (unlinked) the text says;

“I previously had 3 concussions.  I started wearing the Maher Mouth Guard 3 years ago and have not had a concussion since.  I feel very comfortable wearing The Maher Mouth Guard and recommend it for any contact sport.  It is perfect!” -Assante Samuel, New England Patriots. Continue reading →