Most motorcycle riders can attest to having a headache one or more times after wearing the motorcycle helmet. Motorcycle riders claim to experience the pain immediately they take off the motorcycle helmet or just after wearing. The pain normally disappears a few minutes or seconds after taking off the helmet. The headache effect is commonly experienced among new motorcycle riders. A motorcycle helmet headache can range from a mild pain, a banging pain or a sharp pain close to a migraine. Many myths surround the cause of these headaches. However, scientists have discovered the cause of a helmet headache.
A helmet headache is caused by external compression of the head by helmets and a common complaint is motorcycle helmet headache pressure. Cranial neuralgia is the term used to refer to this compression headache caused by helmets. New motorcycle riders should therefore not worry since this is a common thing that happens to most new riders. There are nerves found on the scalp called coetaneous nerves. When excessive pressure is applied to the scalp or on the forehead, the coetaneous nerves become highly simulated. The result of this continuous stimulation of the nerves is a headache.
The cause of motorcycle helmet headache is a very tight helmet. Most new motorcycle riders are yet to know the right helmet size that will fit them perfectly. Cranial neuralgia is not only caused by wearing of tight motorcycle helmets. Other tight headgear, like goggles, headbands and hats, can also result in the same effect.
Cranial neuralgia normally occurs in the particular place where external compression has occurred. Normally, the pain will subside after the pressure has been relieved. Unfortunately, for some people, the pain may persist longer to even more than an hour after they have taken off their helmet. A few people have ended up having migraine attacks as a result of helmet headaches. At this point, it is advisable to seek medical assistance.
Individuals who experience helmet headaches have claimed to be unable to get rid of the pain by using painkillers. Individuals are not able to get rid of a headache using painkillers that had worked to relieve other pain previously. Painkillers do not work to relieve the pain as long as the helmet is still applying pressure on the scalp and forehead.
A study was carried out among police officers who regularly used motorcycle helmets. A significant percentage of the sample of this study demonstrated the characteristics of having cranial neuralgia. Police officers who use motorcycles every day, attested to getting a headache immediately they put on their helmet and having the headache subside an hour after they had removed it.
How to avoid motorcycle helmet headache
To avoid a helmet headache, simply get a comfortable helmet. It is unsafe to ride our motorcycle without wearing a helmet. So do not get rid of the helmet to stop the headaches. Just consider a few things about your helmet that could be making it too tight and uncomfortable.
Wearing a helmet that is too tight or uncomfortable is hazardous to the motorcycle rider. You need to be very alert on the road when you are riding your motorcycle. A helmet that is too tight or uncomfortable will keep you distracted and uncomfortable. That discomfort and headache can lead to an accident. Various researches done among motorcyclists who have been involved in accidents showed that a great number of them resulted from distracted motorcycle riders.
Cranial neuralgia also causes adverse health problems. Continuous headaches cause the body to be under a lot of stress. Stress eventually takes a toll on your body. To avoid all these problems, you need to get the right helmet for you.
To get a comfortable helmet, consider:
The shape of your head and helmet. Do not get helmets that have complicated shapes that do not match your head. A well-shaped helmet will make you feel as though you are not wearing a helmet. It should not have uncomfortable protrusions against your head.
Get a helmet that has adequate padding so that your head is protected the hard outer material.
The chin strap has to be adjustable and provide enough room for your head. A tight chin strap will pull down the helmet against your scalp. The helmet should have a lining that is comfortable against your skin.
Leave a Reply