HELMET technology has come a long way in recent years, but concussion remains a serious issue. Concussion is a brain injury that occurs when a blow to the head causes the brain to spin rapidly in the opposite direction from where the head was struck. Symptoms may include headache, sensitivity to light, tinnitus, dizziness, sleepiness, confusion and behavioural changes.

Research has shown that concussion can occur for jockeys without any associated helmet damage. The soft surface of the turf distorts and collapses, instead of the helmet, and the energy from the impact is transferred to the head. Equestrian helmets are tested to protect the head from impact with hard surfaces, but concussion most commonly occurs after being thrown from a horse onto a soft surface such as turf.

The NFL, one of the largest funders of concussion research in America, has a “Play Smart, Play Safe” initiative to create a safer helmet, in conjunction with global sports organisations such as the NHL and World Rugby. Another major research group is HEADS, funded under the EC’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Programme. Improving helmet design to protect against concussion is just one focus of research, however.

Dehydration

Significantly for riders, it has been found that dehydration can increase the risk of sustaining concussion in a fall. Keeping hydrated greatly aids the body’s own brain protection, where a cushion of cerebrospinal fluid slides in the cranium to shield the brain.

Research has shown that the body is hugely neuro protective and including sulphur in the diet, such as broccoli, cabbage and garlic, when combined with exercise increases production of the cerebrospinal fluid the brain releases when it feels under threat. Riders can aid their well-being by following a healthy diet and avoiding dehydration.

Research at Cardiff University and Liverpool John Moores University has also highlighted depression as a factor in increasing the likelihood of sustaining concussion. “Depression could cause worse symptoms from hitting your head than if you are happy and healthy,” said the late Professor Roy Burek of Cardiff University, when supervisor of the HEADS research programme. It is now known that depression activates the brain in the same way that an impact activates the brain to become unwell.

To reduce serious injury, staff should be provided with the very best available helmet and vest. Skimping on quality may save money, but at the risk of cost in life. Simply wearing a helmet is not enough, however. Care must be taken that the helmet fits properly and the straps are tight and secure. When the helmet isn’t tight enough the head rebounds inside the helmet and this increases the number of times that the brain hits the skull.

Recognising concussion

A rider does not need to lose consciousness to suffer concussion. Watch for, in the days following the fall: