Hello jjane45 - I fell backwards earlier this year and landed bum - shoulder blades - head. Mild concussion for 48 hrs then a headache for a few days. I used a flat backed bike helmet (Nutcase brand) for a little while but found it overly hot, plus the internal padding was uncomfortable.
I bought the Ice Halo as I did some internet research and decided it was worth a try. Mine is a fluffy pastel blue and matches my eyes. I wore it feeling better than when I was wearing the helmet. It is much lighter than the bike helmet and stays put. I like that it can be re-used after an impact unlike bike helmets. Instead of helmet hair I get "Halo fringe" but that's not so bad. People recognise me because of the colour and fluffiness. It has been quite the conversation starter and I've made several new friends as a result.
I had my blades sharpened just before a class. Lesson starts and we warm up by zig zagging across the ice. I was loving the fresh blade sensation, almost flying across the ice. Unfortunately I was just too fast and could not stop. I face-planted into the hockey glass and bounced back onto my bum.
My wrist guards took the brunt of my out stretched hands, so no damage. I smashed my left knee into the barrier and it was swollen for a few days. My nose and chin left an imprint on the hockey glass, safe to assume that my forehead would have too. Both my nose and chin were bruised and swollen for almost a week. That was it - no headache and no whiplash. I was a little shaky for about 5 minutes so sat out of the lesson for a bit. A few sips of water and I got up again.
I checked my nose in a mirror and decided there was no visible bruising or obvious swelling so I would not mention the incident to my family. As I walked into the house Miss 12 looks up and says "Hi Mum - what did you do to your nose?". Miss 7 was concerned that I'd broken my nose so I mentioned the absence of blood and that my nose was still quite straight. Her dancing friend said I needed to toughen up! (Cue one mildly embarrassed mother and a laughing father..)
My son said nothing, the next week after lessons he came and checked out my nose and assessed my walking closely before saying "I'm glad you didn't fall over again". My husband said "Oh good it works, please don't test it again".
I wear it always. It can get cosy but it's really not an issue. Very difficult to differentiate between the added warmth from it compared to the added warmth from gloves + wrist guards. It means I wear lighter clothing and don't need tights under my pants. I'm doing more spin work now and am unaware of the Ice Halo. I would not attempt spinning or jumping without protective gear. I'm in the Christmas show in a few weeks and probably won't wear it, or the wrist guards. Hopefully we can wear gloves...