Latest head injury figures reveal dangers of cycling and other sports

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Sport and recreation account for one in five of head injuries in the USA.
A summer of fun filled with sporting and recreational activity can turn into a tragedy if people, especially kids, don't bother with protective headgear. That's what the American Association of Neurological Surgeons warns in their new report on head injury caused by sports like cycling. Overall, sport and recreation cause 21 per cent of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Any injury that causes disruption to brain function - a blow to the head or a penetrating head injury - is classed as a TBI. There were as many as 64,500 bicycling-related head injuries, including TBIs, in 2005 of which 37,000 occurred among children aged 14 or younger. For all sports, there were 309,000 head injuries. Boys aged 10 to 14 are most at risk.

Helmets and headgear prevent TBI by reducing the deceleration experienced by the person's head on impact and by reducing the direct compressive force so caused. The Association suggests you always wear helmets or headgear for the following: baseball and softball (when batting), cycling, football, hockey, horseriding, skateboarding, wrestling and skiing. There is more information at the following link www.neurosurgerytoday.org/what

Source
American Academy of Neurological Surgeons 2nd August 2006

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