Bicycling is a fast-paced aerobic exercise with a variety of health benefits. These health benefits include a healthier cardiovascular system, weight loss and stronger lower body. This activity is not without its drawbacks. High-speed bike riding leaves you at risk for crashes. A common result of crashes is injury to a person's head.
Concussion
Concussion is a condition during which a person temporarily loses brain function. This condition is usually caused by trauma to the head, which is a common occurrence in bicycle accidents. Concussions usually manifest themselves through headaches, dizziness, slurred speech, memory loss and ringing in the ears. A concussion is diagnosed after your doctor conducts a thorough interview. A computerized tomography may also be performed. Concussions are treated with rest and acetaminophen, or Tylenol, for headache reduction.
Cerebral Contusion
A cerebral contusion is a condition characterized by bruising on the brain after a head trauma. This type of injury is a result of a violent collision during which your brain collides into your skull. The symptoms of a brain contusion are headaches, dizziness, loss of consciousness, loss of balance, nausea and vomiting. This condition is diagnosed through a detailed interview followed by computerized tomography and an MRI. Cerebral contusions are treated with diuretics, anti-seizure medication, coma inducing medication or surgery.
Laceration
Lacerations to the face and head are also common injuries suffered during bicycle accidents. These cuts usually cause severe bleeding and swelling due to the fact that your face is rich with blood vessels. These wounds are treated using a combination of wound cleaning, dressing, antibiotics and, if required, stitching.
Broken Nose
A broken nose is also a common injury suffered during bicycle crashes. Swelling, pain, difficulty inhaling through the nose and bleeding are all signs of a broken nose. Bruising under the eyes is also a sign of a broken nose. Nasal fractures are diagnosed through a thorough physical examination and x-ray. Nasal fractures are treated with manual realignment immediately following the fracture or are repaired surgically.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Concussion
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 16th Edition"; Lawrence Madoff, James Macguire, Kenneth Brandt, Bruce Gillaind, Scott Thaier; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Traumatic brain injury
- Mayo Clinic: Cuts and scrapes: First aid
- Mayo Clinic: Broken nose
