Headgear
Headgear
Headgear (/ˈhɛdˌɡɪər/), in the context of medicine, refers to any form of protective gear for the head. This can include a wide range of equipment, from helmets to face masks, and is often used in both clinical and surgical settings to protect healthcare professionals and patients.
Etymology
The term "headgear" is derived from the Old English words "heafod" meaning head, and "gearwe" meaning equipment or clothing. It has been in use since the 14th century.
Types of Medical Headgear
There are several types of medical headgear, each designed for specific purposes and settings. Some of these include:
- Surgical cap: A type of headgear worn by surgeons and other healthcare professionals during surgical procedures to prevent contamination.
- Face shield: A protective mask that covers the entire face, providing protection against splashes, sprays, and spatter of body fluids.
- Helmet: In a medical context, helmets are often used in sports medicine to protect athletes from head injuries, or in neurology for patients with conditions that make them prone to falls or self-harm.
- Orthodontic headgear: A type of headgear used in orthodontics to correct malocclusions by applying force to the patient's teeth and jaw.
Related Terms
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection.
- Orthodontics: This is a branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaw that are positioned improperly.
- Surgery: This is a medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a person to investigate or treat a pathological condition such as a disease or injury, to help improve bodily function or appearance or to repair unwanted ruptured areas.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Headgear
- Wikipedia's article - Headgear
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