van-gramsci

Hey everybody. So, I was on my board for the first time on Sunday. Last run of the day, I caught my heel edge and flew downhill, taking a hard blow to the back of my (helmeted) head. It left me dazed, with a headache, and suffering from some mild-to-moderate confusion. I was definitely mildly concussed. Anyway, I just realized yesterday that I lost my goggle clip during the impact.

So, I'm just wondering what people think I should do. I've read that I should be able to get a free replacement goggle clip from the manufacturer. However, I have a weekend snowboarding trip planned, starting friday, so I doubt they could send one in time. I'm going to check back at the store where I bought the helmet to see if they happen to carry any replacements. I expect that I'll definitely want a goggle clip, or else I fear losing my goggles.

More importantly, however, is the force with which I hit my head. I'm aware that the "rule" is that, if you have a significant impact, the helmet's structure is compromised and you should get a new one. I think receiving a mild concussion while wearing a helmet warrants being called a "significant impact". It just sucks because I just bought the thing last week.

Any thoughts?

(I'm considering just biting the bullet and buying a new one, but I want to see what people think before I commit to that idea.)

LuckyRVA

Sounds to me like you took a hard enough spill to warrant getting another helmet.

moondoggy

I think it depends on the type of helmet you have to see of you would need a new one. Some helmets are made for single crash (ie motorcycle, some bike helmet, etc). I believe some snowboard helmets like the bern eps helmets are made for single hard crash. Some helmets that are made with softer materials can be used for multiple impacts.

Tarzanman

It is a gamble either way. If you were concussed through your helmet, then yes.... most manufacturers would suggest replacing a "single-use" helmet unless you have access to an x-ray machine to inspect the compressed foam innards

Even if the helmet is not completely spent (which it probably is not).... there is the fact that you have already (recently) suffered a concussion. This means that you will want to get a helmet that you are 100% sure will protect you as much as possible.

I am NOT a doctor, but going by what I have heard, your next concussion will be:
1. Easier to get
2. Probably cause longer term damage

Translation: I might wear a potentially crappy helmet if I were already 100% healthy, but I would be sure to spend the $$ to protect my brain if I had a history of head/brain injury.

YMMV

van-gramsci

Yeah, you make a compelling argument. I do have a history of mild concussions. I've never suffered anything too severe (though I realize any concussion is not to be taken lightly), but I'd guess I've had as many as 5 knocks to the head that have left me a bit dazed in the past 5 years or so. I really shouldn't take any reasonably avoidable risks.

After reflecting upon how I crashed, my friend and I figured out what I was likely doing wrong. I plan to take a 2 hr lesson on Friday though, just to make sure I'm getting the technique right. Hopefully my next helmet will last me longer!

Thanks for the input guys!

TorpedoVegas

sounds like a job for some duct tape

van-gramsci

I changed my mind and decided not to get another one. Might be a risk, but at least it's still better than not wearing a helmet, right?

There's a Burton shop at Tremblant (where I'll be this weekend), so I figure I'll be able to grab a new clip there.

spacemanspiff

you should look at the foam inside the helmet, if its dented or cracked you should know for sure if you need a new one.but seriously, if you have a history of concussions I would invest in a nice expensive new helmet.

Redmond513

Same thing happened to me about a month ago. I caught a backside edge, went down and hit the back of my head. I blacked out and still dont remember the 4 hours afterwards. There was no damage to the helmet but I didn't want to take the chance. I called Burton, got a warranty number, sent the helmet back and they sent me a new one.

Head injuries are no joke. Better to be safe then sorry.

shredsomegnar

if im not mistaken you can send the helmet back to the manufacturer and they will replace it for a small fee.
dont mess around with your head, you only have one brain