Protect Your Brain: Wear a Helmet

Of the 800 cyclists killed each year, one-third are kids ages 5 to 15. Most of the deaths occur because of a brain injury from a bike crash. Proper use of a helmet while bicycling, skateboarding or playing contact sports can reduce the occurrence of brain injury.

Brain Safety Starts With Helmets

There is no concussion-proof helmet, but there are specific helmets for specific sports. Refer to the CDC helmet guide when choosing a helmet for a child or teen.

An appropriate and properly fitted helmet protects against concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI) which result from a bump, blow or jolt to the head. Depending on the severity of the brain injury, symptoms can last less than a day or for several months and include:

• Headache
• Vomiting or nausea
• Changes in normal thinking
• Memory problems
• Dizziness or vision problems
• Mood changes
• Changes in sleep patterns and fatigue

If someone you know was in a bike crash, seek emergency services at a nearby Nuvance Health^® hospital.

Concussions

Children, young adults and older adults are at higher risk for concussions. They may also need a longer recovery time after concussion and are more likely to have concussions again.

Preventing concussions and TBI is critical because they can impair:

• Thinking or memory
• Movement
• Sensation
• Emotional functioning
   

Recovery

Recovering from a brain injury is possible.  Learn more about speech therapy services offered at Nuvance Health.

Consult your doctor for recovery resources and referrals.