#15 - Concussion: Yes or No?

Today, I am joined by Sarah Brittain is the founder and CEO of Colorado Concussion Clinic, a clinic that provides evidence based care to people with head injuries.  Sarah Brittain has a Master of Science degree in Communication Science and Disorders from MGH Institute of Health Professions in Charlestown, Massachusetts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. She is an active member of the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado’s (BIAC) board. 

Joining in the discussion with Sarah is Brian Heber, a cycling friend who was hit on his bike by a vehicle 7 years ago resulting in a traumatic brain injury from which he is still recovering. Brian agreed to share his story and lessons learned.

According to the CDC, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.

Listen in as Sarah explains the causes and consequences of brain injury, which can be particularly bad for children and older adults.  She shares her knowledge about what to look for immediately and in the days afterward, and what to do to heal as fast and as well as possible.  After listening to Sarah, you’ll be armed with the critical information we all need for quickly assessing and helping friends make good decisions in the immediate aftermath of a crash.  Are they okay to get back on the bike?  Should they go to the ER?   Should you call 911?   All of this information and more is on today’s episode.

Colorado Concussion Clinic: healmyconcussion.com

[email protected]
phone: (303) 932-2030

UCI Concussion Protocol: https://www.uci.org/docs/default-source/medical/2020-uci-cycling-specific-sport-related-concussion-protocol.pdf

Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: https://www.bhsi.org/buying.htm

Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings: https://helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html

Mayo Clinic on Concussion: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594