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| Q&A: Dr David Hartman on Head Injuries (824 Posts)
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heads
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On 12/1/2002 skate 'n stepmom
wrote in from
(205.188.nnn.nnn)
Well, I actually enjoyed some of the discussion over the TV show thing for a bit and getting advise on some of the non head related injuries...but since there is a moratorium on virtually anything but head injuries...I guess I'll look at this page when I next slam my head without a helmet (which won't happen cuz I like walking)..other than that it's been real Doc...sorry adam, but Doc gives useful advise about injuries other than the head quite often and I find it helpful...
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Skateboard head injury facts
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On 11/26/2002
Dr Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
There are an estimated 8 million skateboarders now in the US. Pediatricians informed about skateboard activities in their areas can help prevent needless injuries to children and adolescents. An estimated 56,435 skateboard injuries were treated in emergency departments in 1992. In addition, an estimated 1,900 hospitalizations occurred due to skateboard-related injuries during this period. The vast proportion of admissions were from head injuries.
Analysis of Consumer Product Safety Commission data from 1991 indicates the following salient features of the current outbreak of skateboard injuries:
95% involved skateboarders younger than 25 years; 61% involved 5- to 14-year-olds;
87% of victims were male;
74% of injuries involved the extremities—usually fractures of radius and ulna, 21% to the head and
neck, and 5% to the trunk;
severe injuries (intracraneal, internal) were uncommon, moderate injuries (long bones fractures) were
most common, and deaths occurred almost always from collisions with motor vehicles;
younger victims incurred in a higher proportion of head and neck injuries than older victims—head
injury occurred in 75% of the victims in the 0- to 4-year-old age group, 50% in the 5- to 9-year-old
group, and 15% in the 10- to 19-year-old category;
head injuries in the older age groups were more severe because of collisions with motor vehicles, and
helmets designed for skateboarding are seldom worn but will protect skateboarders from serious head
injury; data on the protective value of elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards are inconclusive; they
may reduce injury severity. The use of bicycle or hockey helmets has not been evaluated.
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Let Cool Heads Prevail
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On 11/20/2002
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
Safety issues are the province of this corner of the website, with emphasis on heads. Now since the rest of you is usually glued on to that head, feel free to include it too. Also, if you genuinely don't know who to see about your injury, it's OK to ask, me or your fellow site contributors. But as Adam implies, this particular site is "heads above the rest. . ."
Best, drD
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Head Injuries
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On 11/20/2002
Adam
wrote in from
(66.121.nnn.nnn)
From the webmaster..
This safety forum was created for the discussion of head injuries, not shoulders, not TV shows. To use this forum and Dr Dave's limited time on topics other than head injuries diminishes the important message this forum was created to deliver.
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Final post on the shoulder
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On 11/16/2002
Wesley Tucker
wrote in from
(64.12.nnn.nnn)
After the recent conversations, I just wanted to give everyone an update on the diagnosis. I once again visited my friendly Orthopedist and it took him about two minutes to finally decide what's wrong. According to him, I have a severely pinched nerve deep between the clavicle and scapula (collarbone and shoulder.) There's a lot more to it that just that, but I don't really want to transcribe here the complete medical chart.
His advice was to more or less deal with it until it decides to relax. It could take a week, a month or I could wake tomorrow with no pain. He also did a much more comprehensive MRI on the shoulder in addition to X-rays and once again confirmed there is no musculo-skeletal damage. So right now I'm spending my days not using my right arm, taking the occasionaly Alleve for pain (works for me,) and being generally miserable. He did say he'd be glad to prescribe more potent pain killers and some anti-inflammotories, but I decided I'd rather just deal with the dull throb than be concerned about what I can and cannot do while medicated.
None of this, by the way, includes the fact that I've missed two races in two weeks! (MS and Vans.) Oh, well, thus are the perils of the modern middle-aged skateboarder. Life goes on.
Thanks to everyone for their feedback.
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Cold Shoulder
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On 11/12/2002
Dr Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
The issue here is if your shoulder is "frozen" or limited in movement, it needs to be evaluated for treatment/rehab. As Todd implies, if you don't fix it, it stays broken. . .
drD
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shoulders are a pain to heal
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On 11/7/2002 todd c
wrote in from
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I did little number on mine a few years back when I was sitting on the floor in front of my couch. With my back against the couch, I lifted my hands up, put my palms on the seat of the couch and lifted myself in a sort of "knee-dip" move from the gym. My right shoulder totally made an awful sound and gave way. Bursitis, tendonitis and a minor tear. That was 7 years ago and it has never fully regained strength. I'v done the helmet to shoulder to pavement slam on it at West LA and also done an ear to shoulder to snow slam while snowboarding - lovely sound. Anyway, rehab it good or it may never come back - I'mm speaking from experience here.
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"The Show"
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On 11/7/2002
Christian
wrote in from
(157.201.nnn.nnn)
I have a copy of the story that was created in reference to my accident. Yes, you are all correct in respect to the fact that the wreck is played over and over and it is quite shocking, yet that is not a bad thing, but rather the intention. This story is also unlike any of the others that have aired on this show. It is emotional, and truly is one that will/has motivate people to atleast 'think' before they ride. The story is presented and portrayed in a way that is quite shocking and effective, with the video (with its dramatic use of the actual sound of my skull shattering, which was caught by the camera from approximately 150 yards away, and the emotional nature of the commentary from my two friends who were with me at the wreck, my mother who expresses the horrendous trial that she went through as a result of my ignorance, and my doctor somewhat expressing the un-fathomable miracle that my life now is.
I have had my friends show the story to numerous other people who do not know of me, or of my story, and they would then be asked what they thought of the story. And a high percentage of those polled responded with the comment that "I do not think anything 'of' it, but rather, I 'know' that I will surely wear a helmet next time I ride!"
I guarantee that you will all be impressed by the story if you are willing to be impressed. Do not 'write it off' prior to viewing it, and I promise you will be surprised and that you too will understand the wisdom that this new law posses. "It is just common sense."(Senator Jack O'Connell)
--Christian
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Shoulder injury
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On 11/6/2002 Wesley Tucker
wrote in from
(152.163.nnn.nnn)
Dr. Dave,
My "family" doctor is an orthopedist:-) A gentleman (generously speaking) who I might add taught me to skateboard when we were both 14 years old!
Although I've never had a serious illness of injury, whenever I needed anything regarding medical treatment, he gets my money. Whether it was a look at my rib in July or interpreting an X-ray three weeks ago, he's who I call. I guess if at some point I developed hypertension or cancer, I'd move on to a specialist. As it is, though, all I've had a call for is someone to check my contussions and the occasional comprehensive physical.
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Specialist Time
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On 11/6/2002
Dr Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
Wesley,
Just one question. Are you relying on your family doc for this advice or did you see an orthopedist or sports medicine specialist? If you have prolonged limitation of movement, a second opinion from one of the latter two docs is the best course of action. No they may not be in your HMO plan, but if you want to make sure you can shoot a hoop with your grandkids, making that appointment may be important.
Best, drD
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i was lucky...
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On 11/5/2002
stevep
wrote in from
(64.81.nnn.nnn)
i just broke my collarbone when i beefed this summer. my skiier buddy seperated his shoulder at whistler a couple seasons ago and it's still a bit tweaky. take it easy and let it heal.
steve
(snowboarding in VT vs DC vintage day on the 16th....i'm torn)
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shoulders...
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On 11/5/2002 Patio
wrote in from
(63.171.nnn.nnn)
I have had several shoulder seperations.
the worst one was from a spill I took directly on the side of my helmet/shoulder. I was in a sling(no moving the shoulder!) for a couple of weeks, then another month before I could lift things...it was a few months before I felt like I could "use" it for weight supporting and all. But it was over 6 months before I felt I could "really" use it for bert slides and stuff.
there are multiple degrees of shoulder seperation. the best thing is to limit the movement of the shoulder or stuff won't heal back as well.
I have had shoulder seperations from the above described impact, but I've had more from snowboarding...blast huge air and things go wrong and rather than landing on the shoulder(like a skate related shoulder slam), I landed on my butt/back/whatever, and had my arm out to catch myself. this jams the arm up into the shoulder, messing it up from the other side. Now, when I am about to slam in the snow, I just ball up and protect my arms/shoulders...oh, and pray.
and raising your arm over your head(or trying to) is the worst thing you can do for it as it's healing(as per my doc)
not a doctor, but I see many of them...
Patio "lumpy shoulders" Mendino
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Shoulder Slamin
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On 11/5/2002
ICE
wrote in from
(165.121.nnn.nnn)
YEA........
I Slamed My Left Shoulder one real hard. I Was droping into a pool, and litteraly droped in right on my shoulder. I never had it checked out probably should have. So anyways that hurt like hell and it kept hurting for a long time.... months and months I think I compressed it.??? Any ways all I could do was contiunally strech it though it took almost a year to fully go away. I had somethink like lock spots if I rotated it in a particular way. I don't think this helps much but it has happened to me and I dident like it much. So I say try to keep off of it take it easy and try to find out as much as you can about whats going on in there.
Good luck and keep rolling! Especially when you bail.
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Shoulder injury
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On 11/5/2002
Wesley Tucker
wrote in from
(205.188.nnn.nnn)
Can someone be so kind as to tell me if it's normal for a shoulder sprain/compression/impact injury to take a month and still be very painful? I took a really simple spill at Morro Bay that landed me on my right shoulder. Ripped my shirt and left a small abrasion. (I was fully padded and helmeted at the time, so save the safety comments.)
Now it's almost a month later and I still have a stabbing pain between the clavicle and the collarbone and my arm refuses to go higher than 10:00. I did have an X-ray and exam the week I got back and it showed nothing cracked or ripped. The doctor prescribed Darvocet for two weeks and that ran out a while ago.
This is the first time in my life I have ever had a shoulder injury and the aggrevation of it has really got me concerned. I'd prefer to not pay another deductible to find out there's still nothing wrong, but I would like to know if several weeks is the norm to rehab from a shoulder/upper arm slam?
P.S. This isn't so much a question for Dr. D. as maybe more of a public opinion poll? Anyone else slammed a shoulder real hard? Ever noticed it doesn't get better real fast like a hand slam or a knee crunch? Is the shoulder "special" and just more time is needed that other joints?
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TV jeebies
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On 11/3/2002
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
Got to agree with sk8nwolf - You don't want to see the show, don't see it. Take the safety message to sk8 friends in your own way by your own example. The only thing not to do is nothing. Save your head, save your brother's head. And if you've got a good safety and riding tip, or a warning 'don't do what I did' story - bring it here. We've got great listeners.
sk8SAFE,
drD
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ya know, R and Doc...
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On 11/1/2002 sk8nwolf
wrote in from
(64.12.nnn.nnn)
I think people are tired of arguing over this topic now...bout time...no one controls their remotes other than themselves and/or their spouses...heehee
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head tertainment
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On 10/28/2002 R.
wrote in from
(156.40.nnn.nnn)
I agree with Patio and K-Lee, although K-Lee, you should watch your typos, it's not "bring me a beer", it's "bring me beer", or more succinctly, "beer", or "b". Really, tsk.
Having had satellite TV in my last apt. I can say that "You Gotta See This" is the worst "REal TV" clone ever. Basically, you can be sure we will be treated to at least five slo-mo replays of Christian's horrifying/nauseating accident, with testimonials at the end, at which point we will segue into somebody getting their leg ripped off backwards, a dude eating it with his motorbike, concussions in the NHL, and some gnarly surfin' wipeouts. woo! I've already seen numerous skate segments, including the 90* ankle fracture, the guy who eats it off a 20 ft. drop, buddy who plows into the skatepark wall and loses his front teeth. Trust me, the producers of this show have education as their *last* priority. Maybe Christian's story will touch someone, most likely folkses will go, "duuuude... that was gross! Let's go hit the 12-stair."
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Michael's Morphed Magazine
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On 10/27/2002
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
Michael Brooke, the editor, historian and prime mover of ILB has informed me that "International Longboarder" has now morphed into "Concrete Wave," presumeably to include a wider range of sk8 sports between the covers. Unlike most skate magazines, this one is literate. For good writing, good skate history and good photos, Concrete Wave is the only game in town.
Michael's email is: mbrooke@interlog.com
drD
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tv shows
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On 10/26/2002 nyc
wrote in from
(63.171.nnn.nnn)
I'm in for supporting Christian and what he's trying to do. I can also understand where patio and k-lee are coming from.
I'm glad that Christian is trying so hard to get the word out, patio does the same thing (and then isn't that the purpose of this forum?) The difference (and what I believe patio and k-lee are objecting to) is in the form media used to spread the word about safety. As of late, all the media does is glorify and sensationalize pain and suffering. But if that particular media group were the only people that were willing to listen to Christian's story, than that is the method of communication that will have to be used. Beggars can't be choosers.
Those shows are not in the smallest bit for educational (or safety) purposes. If it were some other show, something like on a sports channel or something it would make a bigger impact on the community more so than on sensational TV. People only watch those for the sake of seeing someone get hurt, and that defeats the purpose. I watch TV at my neighbors house, and that just has never been a show that was worth my time and energy, I MAY watch that particular story when the time comes...but if I really feel the need to watch pain and suffering...I'll watch the news.
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TV or not TV
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On 10/25/2002
Dave H.
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
Look at it this way. Christian could have recovered quietly from a damaging fall and done nothing. Alternately, he gets the CONSEQUENCES televised for all to see and helps support a new helmet law.
If even one person sees that show and says, "think I'll wear that helmet next time" so what if it's sensationalized? Some people need a whopping dose of digital eye juice to get them thinking. Maybe the show is meant for them.
Patio. You don't need it, you're already in the choir. . .
:)
sk8SAFE drD
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Christian TV
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On 10/25/2002
K-LEE
wrote in from
(129.24.nnn.nnn)
I'm with P@io on the TV show. I wonder how many people will say, "Gee, I'm wearing my helmet from now on when I (bike, skate, blade, etc...)" compared to the number of people who will say, "Ha ha, skater fall down go boom. TV funny. Bring me a beer." The main reason for my doubt is that the show in question (I've seen it on in the background at some sports-type bars) seems to have the approach of "Massive Injuries as Shocking Entertainment" as opposed to "Real-Life Situations We Can Learn From". Let me say that I'm all for helmet and slide-glove use (got your back, Cliff!), as well as Christian's crusade (He's doing his best to spread the word), but I have little faith in the educational values of broadcast television. By the way, being able to use slide gloves properly helps prevent head injuries since they allow you to "catch" yourself somewhat as opposed to "tumbling head first" and depending on your (mandatory) helmet to protect you from bumps and abrasions. Like skating and smiles, helmets and gloves go great together. Turn of the TV, grab your gear, and go skate!
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obviously...
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On 10/25/2002 patio
wrote in from
(207.16.nnn.nnn)
I am not anti-helmet.
I am not anti-that guy.
I am very against those types of TV shows. they are sick.
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How to slide summary.
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On 10/25/2002
Cliff Coleman
wrote in from
(209.179.nnn.nnn)
Dr. Dave,
If you e-mail the web-master at Gravityboard.com you could ask him to post the article, "Street Slidin'" here at ncdsa. It is now on his site under my name in the "Team Riders", section. I myself don't have the ability to do so at this time.
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What the World Needs Now. . . Is Gloves. . .
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On 10/24/2002
Dr Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
Cliff,
Completely agree with the need to learn Safe Sliding technique. I hope your gloves will incorporate some kind of wrist-shock-spring to absorb the initial impact as you enter the slide. Up till now, the gloves I've seen make you choose between wrist protection and sliding capability. A glove with both would be ideal. Let everyone know about production and distribution when they are ready. I think you have the basic Name Recognition Thing completely to yourself.
And Cliff, do you have a basic summary of The Coleman Slide that you can post on this site? We couldn't do better than to learn from The Master.
Thanks, drD
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Slide Gloves
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On 10/24/2002
Cliff Coleman
wrote in from
(209.179.nnn.nnn)
Dr. Dave,
I'm trying to get some gloves to the market. Finding the funding and completing the manufacturing process is where I'm at currently. There are also others out there that are producing slide gear. I don't look at any of these groups as competition. Any company that helps make our sport safer is alright with me! I'm just proud to be an innovator in the field. I believe that when I get a glove on the market, people will support me and purchase said product.
What I'd like to say to you regarding you or a member of your family skating is to always wear some sort of slide safety gear. The importance of sliders is that they help eliminate impact. When used properly and consistently, riders will slide when they fall 99% of the time instead of tumbling. Tumbling is what causes impact injuries. When a rider slides during a fall with slide gloves on, they allow the plastic to take the abrasion instead of the riders skin. Less impact, less loss or total loss of skin, how else could I have lasted as a participant of this activity for the last 42 years?
Skate safely,
Cliff Coleman
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