A Jockey’s Must Read: Let’s take Brain Injuries Out of Racing

CONCUSSION FACTS

CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS

• Concussion is a brain injury that alters the way your brain functions;
• Concussion can occur from a blow to the head/body following helmet/helmet contact and/or contact with the ground, object or another athlete;
• Most concussions occur without being knocked unconscious;
• Severity of injury is unknown until symptoms resolve and brain function is back to normal;
• All concussions are not created equally. Each athlete is different, each injury is different and you should be evaluated by medical staff.

• Confusion
• Headache
• Amnesia/difficulty remembering
• Balance problems
• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling sluggish/groggy
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to noise
• Sensitivity to light
• Double/fuzzy vision
• Slowed reaction time
• Feeling more emotional
• Sleep disturbances

Report it: Never ignore the symptoms!

Get Checked Out: Your concussion should be managed by the BHA’s Concussion Protocol which involves undergoing a neurology examination and a COGSPORT test before being cleared to ride by the Chief Medical Adviser.

Take Care of Your Brain: Traumatic brain injury can cause a wide range of short or long term changes leading to problems with memory and communication, personality changes, depression and early onset dementia. Concussions and conditions resulting from repeated brain injury can change your life and your family’

For all queries call the BHA Medical Department on 

020 7152 0138