Concussion Awareness for Equestrians

Today we are talking about a very important safety issue for all equestrians out there... protecting that melon! With Riders 4 Helmet's 'Helmet Safety Awareness Day' just behind us we thought it would be great to share an article on concussion basics recognition.

Would you know if you or someone you know were suffering from a concussion? Would you know what to do or not do? Sometimes they aren't always a black-and-white-issue so it's important to be educated so you are prepared.

Photo credit: Riders 4 Helmets
"According to the Center for Disease Control, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, which causes the brain or head to move back and forth rapidly. When that happens, inside your head your brain will bounce or twist around, damaging the brain cells, thus creating chemical changes in the brain.'

'Concussions cannot be captured on any imaging because there are no abnormalities, says Dr. Lola Chambless, a neurosurgeon at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., and longtime eventing rider. “The symptoms are purely a clinical diagnosis—you will not see anything on a CT scan or MRI.'

Signs and symptoms of a concussion are:

  • Appearing dazed or confused
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Feeling groggy or sluggish

'Because most falls can happen when you’re not at a sanctioned equestrian event, most concussions can go undiagnosed.

“Things like that happen all the time, and most people generally are not going to seek medical attention unless they are very symptomatic,” says Dr. Chambless(riders4helmets.com)."  Read more about this very important article HERE!


In the event of a concussion one of the best things a rider can do to help themselves, especially if unconscious, is wear a medical ID bracelet! Allow friends, family and first responders access to your medical information faster by always wearing your Ride Safe bracelet. Learn more about our products and becoming a member of Team Ride Safe here: www.teamridesafe.com!  

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