{"id":40269,"date":"2022-08-08T17:00:13","date_gmt":"2022-08-08T15:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=692603"},"modified":"2022-08-08T17:20:19","modified_gmt":"2022-08-08T15:20:19","slug":"concussion-and-cycling-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/concussion-and-cycling-everything-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Concussion and cycling: everything you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Alice Thomson\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 08 August 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Cycling accidents are one of the most common<\/a> causes of concussion. Awareness of issues around concussion is on the rise, and there\u2019s been significant change in recent years, with the UCI introducing the first concussion protocol<\/a> for cycling in 2020.<\/p>\n

Here, we look at what you need to know about concussion, what to do in the event of a head injury and the bigger picture in cycling.<\/p>\n

What is concussion?<\/h2>\n
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Concussion is caused when the brain collides with the skull, or when it rotates or stretches.<\/span><\/figcaption> Patrick J. Lynch \/ Creative Commons<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n

We spoke to Headway<\/a>, a UK-based brain injury charity, which aims to raise awareness of, and provide education around, head injuries. We asked them to define exactly what is meant by concussion.<\/p>\n

Luke Griggs, deputy chief executive of Headway, explains that \u201ca concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a hit to the body.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe effect of the brain moving rapidly within the skull can cause damage to brain cells or tissue.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ultimately, concussion is a change in how the brain functions, which happens because the brain is made up of delicate tissue \u2013 less resistant to physical forces than much of our bodies.<\/p>\n

The brain sits suspended in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which acts as a shock absorber. However, given enough force, it can collide with the skull, or rotate and stretch \u2013 causing it damage.<\/p>\n

Myth-busting the common misconceptions<\/h2>\n
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Concussion is usually associated with direct trauma, but it\u2019s not always so simple.<\/span><\/figcaption> Abus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Concussion is commonly associated with direct trauma to the head, but it\u2019s not quite so simple.<\/p>\n

Any force to the body can also cause a concussion, and while there would certainly be concern for a cyclist who had lost consciousness following head trauma, this is not a prerequisite for sustaining a concussion.<\/p>\n

Griggs clarifies this further, saying: \u201cIt\u2019s vital that all cyclists educate themselves about the evolving nature and effects of concussion and not rely on outdated myths, such as having to lose consciousness or vomit to be concussed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reality is only around 10 per cent of concussions result in loss of consciousness.\u201d<\/p>\n

What are the signs of concussion?<\/h2>\n
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There are some key symptoms to look out for if you suspect concussion.<\/span><\/figcaption> Abus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

What should you be looking out for if you suspect concussion?<\/p>\n

There are important signs that a person is concussed, visible to the observer and experienced by the person themselves.<\/p>\n

In the initial period, a person may experience a headache or feel pressure in their head, which can be accompanied by feelings of nausea and vomiting.<\/p>\n

Balance problems can also be present, with dizziness or blurred vision.<\/p>\n

The person might feel sluggish or foggy with confusion or concentration and memory problems.<\/p>\n

To the external observer, it may be evident that the person has memory loss and they may answer questions slowly, move clumsily, or even lose consciousness.<\/p>\n

Symptoms such as these form the basis of the UCI\u2019s concussion protocol<\/a>, which is intended to improve the way head injuries are managed in the professional peloton.<\/p>\n

It follows an incident in the 2019 Tour de France when Romain Bardet crashed and continued racing for 90km before being diagnosed with a bleed on the brain.<\/p>\n

The protocol brings in a method for first responders to assess riders for concussion with flags for further evaluation, and aims to ensure riders are assessed properly\u00a0before being allowed to continue \u2013 preventing incidents such as Bardet\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Common concussion symptoms<\/h3>\n
<\/colgroup>
Symptoms experienced<\/th>Symptoms observed<\/th>Red flags for medical attention<\/th>Long-term symptoms<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Headache, pressure in the head<\/td>Memory loss<\/td>Loss of consciousness<\/td>Loss of balance, dizziness<\/td> <\/tr>
Dizziness, blurred vision<\/td>Moving clumsily, loss of balance<\/td>Difficulty staying awake<\/td>Headaches<\/td> <\/tr>
Feeling sluggish, foggy<\/td>Loss of consciousness<\/td>Repetitive vomiting<\/td>Change in mood \u2013 irritability, anger<\/td> <\/tr>
Feeling confused, unable to concentrate<\/td>Vomiting<\/td>Fits\/seizure<\/td>Fatigue, tiredness<\/td> <\/tr>
Memory loss<\/td>Bleeding or clear fluid from ears\/nose<\/td>Memory problems<\/td> <\/tr>
Sensitivity to lights or noises<\/td> <\/tr>
Nausea<\/td> <\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>