Methods and devices to reduce the likelihood of injury from concussive or blast forces

摘要

A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of radiant energy, blast, or concussive events includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during or before the incidence of the imparting event. Reducing blood outflow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial volume and/or pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood outflow further increases the intracranial pressure and volume, and thereby increases the pressure and volume of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure and volume reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function.

主权项

1. A system for applying pressure to two or more neck veins of a subject comprising a pair of devices attached to each other by a removable tether sized to facilitate appropriate spacing and alignment during application of the devices to the neck of a subject, wherein each of the devices comprises
a flexible material comprising an adhesive and sized to contact less than half of the circumference of the neck of a subject; and one or more inwardly directed protuberances contacting an inner surface of said flexible material; wherein the flexible material is sized such that said inner surface of said flexible material extends beyond said one or more protuberances, and said protuberances are adapted to restrict blood flow egressing from the head of the subject when placed on the neck above a neck vein of the subject, when the tether is not present.