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What does it feel like to get a concussion? Do you feel headaches and nausea after hitting your head? Then you may have suffered a concussion. But how well wo you know the symptoms? Do you know how to treat it? Get answers to the most important questions about concussion here.
To exemplify we will use statistics from Denmark, where concussions in general affects approx. 30.000 Danes pr. year. The injury typically occurs when you get a major blow to the head or repeatedly get minor blows to the head. And when it comes to riding, the numbers do not look good at all.
8.000 people a year. 1-2 death. It is thought-provoking that so many get injured every single year due to riding. It gives equestrian sports an overall 3rd place among the most dangerous sports in Denmark. Particular fractures of bones and concussions are common. But what exactly is a concussion and how does it feel? What should you do and NOT do?
You may also like to read: Riding accident without safety vest: “It is a miracle I am still here”
Concussion is a major injury to the head in which nerve cells in the brain are stretched after a blow to the skull. Thus, parts of the brain's functions are disconnected to a greater or lesser degree. The concussion can occur with one big blow or with repeated minor injuries to the head. This can happen for example in sports such as handball, boxing and horse riding.
The risk of having a concussion is very much related to your physical activity. Concussions typically occur in connection with falls or accidents, especially in sports.
Four factors that increase the risk of a concussion are: Speed, fall from height, collision and hard ground. All of which is typical of horse-related accidents. Research also suggests that women are more prone to concussions in sports than men because of weaker neck muscles.
The first hour after a concussion: Get an overview immediately
Stay still immediately. If you have balance problems, have lost consciousness or lost your memory, seek medical advice immediately. If not, get someone to drive you home. Be careful not to overlook any symptoms.
When you get a concussion, the violent blow slings the brain into the hard skull. It stretches the nerve cells to the extreme and damages their cell membranes. This causes ions and neurotransmitters to water out which then paralyzes the function of the brain cells.
In a prolonged phase, the brain is drained of energy while the equilibrium of the brain cells is restored. During that time, it is a good idea to keep your brain calm. For example, avoid bright lights, computer screens, reading, and strenuous exercise. This should be avoided because any brain activity can strain rebuilding.
However, how much you should keep the brain calm can vary. And, it especially depends on how bad your after-effects are.
If you do not feel that your symptoms are bad and that they are not aggravated by working, looking at screens or moving, you can easily take a walk outside. As long as you make sure to check in with how you feel - and when you might need a break.
After a concussion, you should start with the type of riding that is not too hard. A light training where you can keep the head still and reduce the risk of jolts. Therefore, do not jump or ride intensive dressage. If your symptoms worsen, you should stop.
Center for hjerneskade, Iform og Mosaic Science.com
