What you need to know about Concussions
Concussions in cycling are a significant concern, just like they are in many other sports, and speaking from experience suffering a concussion is a horrible. I’d rather break a bone than have another one.
To put it simply a concussion is an injury to the brain that results in a disturbance to brain function. They can be caused by a blow to the head, or a violent shaking of the head and body, e.g a force delivered to the body which causes a ‘whiplash’ type injury to the head and neck.
Specifically in cycling, concussions can occur due to crashes, collisions, or even stupid falls from your bike in the car-park (we’ve all done it!). Whilst helmets may not be a legal necessity …. cue the old skool roadie rants …. for mountain biking, especially when riding on challenging terrain or in high risk environments, they are essential. The naysayers may well argue that they may not prevent concussions, but they can help reduce the risk of head injuries. I simply refuse to take anyone out on a guided ride without a suitable helmet. No helmet - no ride - no excuses.
“You do not need to have suffered a head injury to have a concussion!”
How do you recognise symptoms of concussion?
Common symptoms of a concussion include headache, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, sensitivity to light and noise, and in some cases, loss of consciousness.
Spotting impacts capable of causing concussion can be difficult in a sport such as cycling, so it’s important as riders to look out for each other, and if you suspect anyone may have concussion you want to ensure that they stop cycling immediately, as continuing is not only dangerous but it will also likely lead to a longer recovery period.
There are a number of visible signs of concussion to look out for in your fellow riders such as:
A dazed, blank or vacant look
Slow to get up or lying motionless
Unsteady on their feet, with balance problems and/or poor coordination
Confused
Holding their head
Seizures
Irritable and emotional (more than usual)
Damage to the helmet. Is the helmet cracked or dented? Always check they inside of the helmet. A damaged helmet is a warning sign.
However, you can’t always see visible signs of concussion. So, if you are speaking to someone you suspect may have concussion asking them non-leading simple questions may help.
‘Do you know where we are?’
‘How did you get here today?’
Do you know approximately what time it is?
A injured cyclist may also tell you about certain symptoms that indicate they may have concussion. Listen out for complaints such as:
Headaches
Dizziness
Confusion
Visual problems
Feeling nausea
Pressure in the head
Sensitivity to noise or light
REMEMBER….if in doubt, sit it out….
If you’re riding on your own, in a group, or even come across a fellow cyclist stranded, if any of these symptoms are experienced after an accident, it’s super important that immediate medical attention is sought and cycling is refrained from until a healthcare professional says otherwise.
Recovery, treatment and reducing the risk of concussion
Recovery from a concussion varies depending on the severity of the injury. Rest, both physical and mental, is crucial for the healing process. Most symptoms should resolve after two to four weeks, but some may take longer, after all we are all individuals and we all recover at different rates. In general, children and adolescents will recover more slowly than adults.
If any symptoms do hang around for more than four weeks, it’s recommended to seek further assessment, as you may need a referral to a concussion specialist. Your own GP would be a good place to start.
However long your recovery is from concussion returning to cycling, or any physically demanding activities should be done gradually, and under medical guidance to avoid any further complications.
To reduce the risk of concussions whilst cycling can be tricky as you can’t plan for every eventuality, and you don’t want to ruin your pleasure of cycling, whether it’s hurtling down a trail at full speed, or cruising down a canal path. In cycling something can go wrong at any time, usually when you least expect it.
Just try to follow safety rules, wear appropriate gear, and be more cautious in high-risk environments and challenging terrains. If a trail is closed, it’s closed for a reason. Don’t ride it.
Keeping on top of regular maintenance can also help prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures. Your bike will also thank you for it.
Try to ride in a safe manner, be sensible and don’t take unnecessary risks, but above all else …. look out for each other!