Halo Braces
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
As a user of the above since 29.2.00, with hopefully about 4 more weeks to go, I offer an expert guide. If you're in a Halo, about to get one, or have a significant other in one, read on:
The good news:
Before the above was invented, as recently as the 1970s, you'd probably be staring at the ceiling in traction for six weeks and in a body cast looking like a mummy for months after that.
The bad news:
It's still one of the most awkward, uncomfortable and disabling (both socially and physically) experiences you're likely to have.
Why have they done this to me?
The human head, being heavy, funny shaped and badly balanced has always given doctors problems when they have to immobilise it. We make it harder for them by insisting on moving our jaws and having faces visible, even though our necks are broken. Compared to the alternatives (see above) inserting small pins seems to be the best way of immobilisation.
You have probably broken (C3/4 for me) or cracked at least one of your cervical vertebrae, you may have had your cervical spine dislocated, or had spinal surgery, or maybe have a tumor. Or, if you're really unlucky,all of the above. If you're reading this, you're probably not paralysed (don't worry--spinal shock does go away: I was on crutches for the first 2 weeks with numb legs, now I'm fine).
What's a halo?
A plastic body jacket designed to be uncomfortable at any angle lined with a scratchy sheepskin connected by 4 metal uprights cunningly placed so any clothes you attempt to wear fall right off you, bolted to a halo ring around your skull, just above your eyebrows. The ring is bolted to you (here's the grabber) by at least 4 pins screwed about 1/8'' into your skull. Note: they are not bolts, just pins.They sit on the surface of your skull, they don't go thru it. A torque wrench makes sure they don't go too far in. Older rings like mine go right round with a raised bit at the back so I can theoretically lie on a pillow. New types are open at the back.
Does it hurt?
Yes, no and maybe.
For about the first week yes, a lot, from the pin sites but more from the injury site. After that, opinions vary. Some people I've spoken to or heard about have 3 months of misery, others say the pins are only a slight bother. I even heard about a guy who went back to work as a bank teller after 2 weeks. Whatever you do though, don't jar your halo or uprights. Be really careful getting in or out of cars, etc. If there's any doubt about how steady you are, use a wheelchair or walker. I wish I had.
Any other advice?
YES, if you have a choice, ask for a head shave (more for us guys this). Lucky for me, I'd just had a #2 cut. Keeping clean is one of the big worries.
Sleeping?
Again, this varies. I can sleep in a bed with extra pillows, but wake up several times to change position. Others have to sleep in a LazyBoy or similar. Others have sleepless months. Tummy sleepers have it particularly tough. Whatever, you'll probably be on your own. It takes a dedicated partner to put up with sharp edges and frequent waking. The spare room's better for you too.
So what about nookie?
I'm sure it's possible, but... (See risk of jarring above).
So you can't take a halo off?
No way. It's all bolted on you. Some people thread clothes thru under the plastic jacket, but what a nightmare! (See risk of jarring above).
What about attitudes?
This is the tough one. The social disability is about worse than the physical. Every time you're out in public every one will stare at you all the time. If you're a black haired Goth and used to the attention , you may find your halo's another fashion accessory, but for most of us it's tough. If you're like me, you'll probably hide out for the first weeks (you're usually too sick to go out anyway) then be dragged out to the pub by friends. If you're like me, you'll try to disguise the brace with a hood, bobble hat, anarak etc., you'll overheat yourself and look totally ridiculous anyway.
In the weeks after that, you'll probably get hardened to it all and try to have a normal life. By the end, if it's warm enough, you probably won't bother with clothes above the waist at all.
Speaking of clothes...
I wear hooded sweats (front zip-up only), Gap tank tops (singlets), snap pants, sheepskin boots (yes, naff but I still have to be careful with my feet and I don't need to bend over to get em on). A good wooly scarf round my neck makes it feel a lot better. I find some people get queasy seeing the scabby pin sites so I do like to wear a stretchy hat over the ring, with holes cut for the uprights.
What was the lowest point?
The first week is the worst. Falling over. Being taunted by a gang of neighbourhood kids. People who want to know all about your condition.
Are there any good points?
Walking. Slowing down and enjoying life. Time for (shortish) movies and books. The incredible friendliness and helfulness of many people(being helped across the road by a little old lady was a neat inversion).People who want to know all about your condition.
The good news:
Before the above was invented, as recently as the 1970s, you'd probably be staring at the ceiling in traction for six weeks and in a body cast looking like a mummy for months after that.
The bad news:
It's still one of the most awkward, uncomfortable and disabling (both socially and physically) experiences you're likely to have.
Why have they done this to me?
The human head, being heavy, funny shaped and badly balanced has always given doctors problems when they have to immobilise it. We make it harder for them by insisting on moving our jaws and having faces visible, even though our necks are broken. Compared to the alternatives (see above) inserting small pins seems to be the best way of immobilisation.
You have probably broken (C3/4 for me) or cracked at least one of your cervical vertebrae, you may have had your cervical spine dislocated, or had spinal surgery, or maybe have a tumor. Or, if you're really unlucky,all of the above. If you're reading this, you're probably not paralysed (don't worry--spinal shock does go away: I was on crutches for the first 2 weeks with numb legs, now I'm fine).
What's a halo?
A plastic body jacket designed to be uncomfortable at any angle lined with a scratchy sheepskin connected by 4 metal uprights cunningly placed so any clothes you attempt to wear fall right off you, bolted to a halo ring around your skull, just above your eyebrows. The ring is bolted to you (here's the grabber) by at least 4 pins screwed about 1/8'' into your skull. Note: they are not bolts, just pins.They sit on the surface of your skull, they don't go thru it. A torque wrench makes sure they don't go too far in. Older rings like mine go right round with a raised bit at the back so I can theoretically lie on a pillow. New types are open at the back.
Does it hurt?
Yes, no and maybe.
For about the first week yes, a lot, from the pin sites but more from the injury site. After that, opinions vary. Some people I've spoken to or heard about have 3 months of misery, others say the pins are only a slight bother. I even heard about a guy who went back to work as a bank teller after 2 weeks. Whatever you do though, don't jar your halo or uprights. Be really careful getting in or out of cars, etc. If there's any doubt about how steady you are, use a wheelchair or walker. I wish I had.
Any other advice?
YES, if you have a choice, ask for a head shave (more for us guys this). Lucky for me, I'd just had a #2 cut. Keeping clean is one of the big worries.
Sleeping?
Again, this varies. I can sleep in a bed with extra pillows, but wake up several times to change position. Others have to sleep in a LazyBoy or similar. Others have sleepless months. Tummy sleepers have it particularly tough. Whatever, you'll probably be on your own. It takes a dedicated partner to put up with sharp edges and frequent waking. The spare room's better for you too.
So what about nookie?
I'm sure it's possible, but... (See risk of jarring above).
So you can't take a halo off?
No way. It's all bolted on you. Some people thread clothes thru under the plastic jacket, but what a nightmare! (See risk of jarring above).
What about attitudes?
This is the tough one. The social disability is about worse than the physical. Every time you're out in public every one will stare at you all the time. If you're a black haired Goth and used to the attention , you may find your halo's another fashion accessory, but for most of us it's tough. If you're like me, you'll probably hide out for the first weeks (you're usually too sick to go out anyway) then be dragged out to the pub by friends. If you're like me, you'll try to disguise the brace with a hood, bobble hat, anarak etc., you'll overheat yourself and look totally ridiculous anyway.
In the weeks after that, you'll probably get hardened to it all and try to have a normal life. By the end, if it's warm enough, you probably won't bother with clothes above the waist at all.
Speaking of clothes...
I wear hooded sweats (front zip-up only), Gap tank tops (singlets), snap pants, sheepskin boots (yes, naff but I still have to be careful with my feet and I don't need to bend over to get em on). A good wooly scarf round my neck makes it feel a lot better. I find some people get queasy seeing the scabby pin sites so I do like to wear a stretchy hat over the ring, with holes cut for the uprights.
What was the lowest point?
The first week is the worst. Falling over. Being taunted by a gang of neighbourhood kids. People who want to know all about your condition.
Are there any good points?
Walking. Slowing down and enjoying life. Time for (shortish) movies and books. The incredible friendliness and helfulness of many people(being helped across the road by a little old lady was a neat inversion).People who want to know all about your condition.
