Question:

Some might say that asking for medical advice on rbr is a sure sign that I'm not recovered yet, but I'll pose the question anyway. I suffered a minor head injury a few days ago. Nothing too serious but there was some memory loss (15 minutes gone) and a pretty bad headache which is has gradually reduced to a mild headache today. CAT scan was negative. The ER doctor told me to stay off the bike until two weeks after all symptoms subside and that any exercise would interfere with my recovery. I've pulled the plug on my cross season but would like to get back to some long easy riding as soon as possible. Anyone have any experience with riding too quickly after a head injury? Is there any known basis for the statement that light exercise will interfere with recovery?

Answer:

I would definitely ask my own physician. The recommendation may have as much to do with possible sequellae to the injury than to the injury itself. What I mean is that after a head injury from a racing accident (probably more serious than yours--I was unconscious for some time), I had occasional post-concussion effects. Specifically I had a few episodes where suddenly my vision went blank and I heard a loud ringing in my ears. This never happened while riding, but if it had I might well have crashed. I never lost consciousness, and the episodes only lasted 20 seconds or so. IIRC, it happened 3 times over the subsequent 4-6 months.

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