Current Post Categories Education

With the Pacific Northwest summer in full swing more and more of us are getting out on our bikes to enjoy the beautiful weather.  We are fortunate to live in a region that offers so many incredible options for cyclists, from urban trails to city streets to mountain biking courses.  Regardless of how you choose to ride, it is essential that you wear a helmet at all times when riding, it may save your brain and your life.

                  Concussions, or traumatic brain injuries, are one of the most common and least talked about injuries associated with cycling.  As this article from Cycling Weekly explains, the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that over 90% of head injuries suffered in cycling accidents result in at least a mild traumatic brain injury. 

Concussion is a feature in 90% of cycling head injuries – here’s what you need to know about the symptoms and recovery | Cycling Weekly

This risk is increased for younger riders, who are more susceptible to concussions, experience the effects longer than adults, and are more likely to sustain subsequent brain injuries after a concussion.  This study, published in the University of North Carolina Journal Current Opinions in Pediatrics, stresses that prevention and management are essential to minimize the risk of long term health risks.

Buzzini_Curr_Opin_Pediatric_2006.pdf (unc.edu)

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of concussion is both simple and inexpensive, wear a helmet every time you ride.  The National Institute of Health found that 63 to 88% reduction in the risk of head, brain, and severe brain injury for all cyclists just by wearing a helmet.  One third of all cycling related emergency department and three quarters of cycling related deaths are a result of a head injury. Helmets are the strongest defense you have to prevent these types of tragedies.

Helmets for preventing head and facial injuries in bicyclists – PMC (nih.gov)

If you are in or around King County, there are multiple options for inexpensive or even free bike helmets. Many such organizations can be found here low-cost-bike-helmet-providers.ashx (kingcounty.gov).  If you have been involved in a cycling accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms you may have suffered a concussion:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion or Brain Fog
  • Visual Problems
  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering
  • Pressure in your head
  • Sensitivity to Light or Sound

If you believe you may have suffered a head injury please seek appropriate medical care immediately.  Then contact Clarity Legal so that we can help guide you through the next steps on your road to recovery.