Protective headgear scored a moment in the international spotlight as Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez netted his first World Cup goal during Thursday’s opener in Guadalajara, Mexico.

 

The striker has worn a custom headband on the pitch since recovering from a life-threatening skull fracture and brain bleed, the result of a head collision with an opposing player, during an English Premier League match in 2020.

 

“Skull fractures and associated brain injuries are among the most serious conditions we see in sports,” said Kenneth Podell, PhD, neuropsychologist and director of the Houston Methodist Concussion Center. “We don’t know yet how effective these headbands are because skull fractures are so rare.”

 

Concussions make up about 12% of acute soccer match injuries, but severe cases like skull fractures are exceedingly uncommon. According to Podell, these types of injuries can cause dangerous pressure inside the skull and require emergency treatment, including surgery.

 

“The brain has the miraculous ability to heal itself,” said Dr. Gavin Britz, chair of the department of neurosurgery at Houston Methodist. “It’s possible to recover from a serious issue like a skull fracture if swift and appropriate action is taken.”

 

Jiminez spent six months in recovery after emergency surgery before he was cleared to return to the pitch. He will wear protective headgear for the remainder of his career.

 

According to Podell, signs of a skull fracture include a stiff neck, bruising or discoloration behind the ear, and difficulty turning the head.

 

Mexico’s next World Cup match is scheduled for June 18, when Jiménez is expected to take the field again.