How common are head injuries in skateboarding? (Symptoms & Precautions)

As a growing sport, skateboarding has seen an increased popularity in recent years.

From its use as a method of transportation to thrilling competition events on its various terrains, it’s no wonder why so many people are attracted to the thrill and challenge that comes with skateboarding.

But what about the risks associated with this exhilarating activity? One especially concerning risk is head injuries: reports from several studies have shown that up to 40% of all skateboarder injuries involve the head, making them some of the most common – and potentially serious –ones sustained while riding a board.

In today’s guide, we want to delve deeper into this topic and answer questions such as how common these types of injuries really are and provide advice for minimizing one’s chance at suffering any type of injury while shredding through your favorite playgrounds.

How common are head injuries in skateboarding?

Skateboarding is an increasingly popular activity, however it does come with risks.

Head injuries are of particular concern for this form of recreation, due to the possibility of falls and collisions with obstacles.

Fortunately, the frequency of head injuries from skateboarding is relatively low relative to other sports like football or ice hockey. For example, one recent survey showed that in a cohort of professional skateboarders, only 6% reported having suffered from a head injury while participating in the sport.

Although not completely risk-free, skateboarding does appear to be safer than some higher-contact sports when it comes to head injury risk.

What are the most common causes of head injuries in skateboarding?

Falling off your board –

This is one of the most common causes of head injuries in skateboarding.

When you fall off your board and hit your head on the ground, you may suffer a concussion or other serious injury.

To reduce your risk, make sure you always wear a helmet when skateboarding and practice good balance and technique when riding.

Colliding with an object –

Another frequent cause of head injuries in skateboarding is hitting an object while riding such as a railing or wall.

Always be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid obstacles that could cause injury if you were to collide with them while riding.

If possible, try to steer clear from objects that could pose a potential hazard when you’re skating around town.

Not wearing a helmet –

One of the easiest ways to prevent serious head injuries is by wearing a helmet whenever you’re out on your board.

A good quality helmet will protect your head from impact if you fall or hit an object while skating.

Make sure that your helmet fits properly and is secured securely on your head before each ride so that it can provide maximum protection against any potential accidents or falls.

Performing tricks incorrectly –

Tricks can be fun but they also come with an element of risk if they are not performed correctly and safely.

Make sure that you take the time to learn how to perform any tricks correctly before attempting them on your own so that you can avoid any unnecessary accidents or falls which may result in serious injury including head trauma. 

Riding on unstable surfaces –

Not all surfaces are suitable for skateboarding so it’s important to make sure that wherever you ride is stable enough for safe riding conditions before jumping on your board for a ride around town or down the street.

Avoid wet, icy, cracked pavement or other unstable surfaces which could potentially lead to slips and falls resulting in injury including head trauma if not navigated properly with caution and care.

How can I prevent head injuries while skateboarding?

Wear a Helmet –

It may seem like a no-brainer, but wearing a helmet is essential to protecting your head while skateboarding.

Make sure you’re using a helmet that’s designed specifically for skateboarding; these helmets will typically have more padding and coverage around the sides and back than standard bike helmets.

And don’t forget to check the helmet regularly to make sure it’s still in good condition and fits properly before heading out on your board.

Learn Proper Form –

Knowing how to properly balance yourself on your board can help prevent falls that could lead to head injuries.

Take the time to practice basic moves like pushing off with one foot and riding with both feet centered on the board before attempting more advanced maneuvers or tricks.

You should also learn how to bail safely if you do lose control of your board this means keeping your hands in front of you and tucking in your chin so that your head doesn’t hit the ground first if you fall forward.

Ride on Paved Surfaces –

Riding on surfaces made from concrete or asphalt can help reduce the risk of falls and therefore reduce the risk of head injuries as well.

This is because these surfaces tend to be smoother and less likely to cause wheels to get stuck or slip unexpectedly than dirt, gravel or grass surfaces would be.

This isn’t always possible depending on where you live, but it’s something worth considering if you have access to paved surfaces nearby.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings –

Part of staying safe while skateboarding involves being aware of what’s going on around you at all times so that you can react quickly if something unexpected happens (like someone suddenly stepping into your path).

This means avoiding distractions like listening to music or talking on the phone while riding, and taking extra caution when riding in areas with heavier foot traffic or lots of obstacles like parked cars or street signs that could pose a hazard if not seen in time.

Practice Regular Maintenance –

Before each ride, make sure that all nuts and bolts are tight, bearings are cleaned and lubricated, trucks are adjusted correctly, wheels aren’t cracked or worn down too much, etc.

So that everything is functioning properly and won’t cause any unexpected problems while skating (which again could lead to falls).

A few minutes spent checking up on things beforehand can go a long way towards helping keep you safe out there.

What are the symptoms of a head injury?

If you think that you may have sustained a head injury, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Common symptoms of head injuries include the following:

➲ dizziness

➲ nausea

➲ blurred vision

➲ confusion

➲ headaches

➲ slurred speech

➲ loss of consciousness.

Your doctor will be able to properly diagnose your injury and recommend any necessary treatment or precautions that need to be taken going forward.

How serious are head injuries in skateboarding?

Skateboarding can be incredibly fun and thrilling, but it is also incredibly dangerous, as it can potentially result in serious head injuries.

According to a 2017 study by the American Occupational Therapy Association, head injuries are a leading cause of hospitalization and death for young skateboarders.

These types of head injuries include traumatic brain injuries (from hitting the ground or other objects), skull fractures, and concussions.

A crash helmet can help to reduce the risk of these injuries from skating accidents, yet a large number of deaths have been reported due to lack of protective gear worn by skateboarders.

It is therefore important for skaters to take every precaution in order to stay safe while engaging in this activity.

Are there any treatments for head injuries?

Head injuries can have serious long-term effects, depending on the severity of the injury.

Medical Treatments & Surgery

Medical treatments vary depending on the severity of the injury.

Mild head injuries can be treated with rest and over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain or swelling.

If symptoms persist or worsen over time, medical attention should be sought immediately. More serious injuries may require surgery to remove bone fragments or repair damaged blood vessels in order to prevent further complications like bleeding on the brain.  

Rehabilitation Therapy

Rehabilitation therapy helps people recover physically and emotionally after a head injury by teaching them how to adapt their lifestyle and learn new ways to cope with any lingering effects from their injury.

This could include physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility, occupational therapy to help relearn daily activities such as dressing oneself or cooking meals, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to improve concentration and memory skills as well as social interaction skills, and/or speech therapy if there are difficulties communicating verbally due to speech impediments caused by neurological damage from the injury.

Mental Health Treatments

Mental health treatments are often used alongside other forms of rehabilitation therapy in order to address any anxiety or depression that may occur after suffering a traumatic event like a head injury.

These could include individual counseling sessions, group therapy sessions with peers who have had similar experiences, and/or medication prescribed by a doctor such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications depending on each individual’s needs.

It is important that mental health treatments are addressed both during recovery and afterwards in order to ensure lasting emotional stability going forward.

Conclusion

Head injuries are a common and potentially serious consequence of skateboarding.

It is important for skaters to take precautions such as wearing protective gear in order to reduce the risk of head injury, and if an injury does occur seek medical attention immediately.

Long-term effects of head injuries can include physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that may require rehabilitation therapy and mental health treatments in order to manage symptoms.

With proper care and preventive measures, the risk of head injury can be significantly reduced while engaging in this activity.

FAQs

How many brain injuries are from skateboarding?

In recent years, brain injuries from skateboarding have been on the rise. According to a 2017 study by the American Occupational Therapy Association, approximately one in five people hospitalized for traumatic head injuries were caused by skateboarding.

Do skateboard helmets prevent concussions?

Skateboard helmets are designed to reduce the impact of a fall or collision and can help prevent concussions. It is important that skateboarders wear properly fitted helmets at all times while riding in order to reduce their risk of head injury.