Ok, so I've been getting headaches after some rides recently and I always attributed it to low electrolytes or dehydration or something like that.

However, on a recent very bumpy descent (Montebello for those who know the Bay Area), I noticed I felt a lot of road vibration in my head. An hour or two afterwards, I had a headache once again.

So I'm almost convinced I'm getting minor concussions if I do these long bumpy descents. I don't feel particularly bad after smooth descents. I ride an aluminium soloist with open pros.

So if anyone can chime in - Am I correct in my assessment? and if I am, what can I do to prevent it? I'm thinking carbon frame and a lighter helmet may help.

I think you should see a doctor asap to rule out anything more serious. Headaches while exercising is not a good sign and shouldn't be taken lightly.

You're not getting concussions from road vibration. If you want a smoother ride lower tire pressures will make more of a difference than a carbon vs. aluminum bike.

+1.

concussion = brain bruise from impact off the side of your skull. tremendously unlikely that it's a concussion from the very minor (if irritating) movement of road buzz. Even big potholes, your neck is a shock absorber, so unless your head is hitting something, no way it's a concussion.

See a doctor, monitor dehydration, do what you need to do, but headaches should be addressed.

Please ask a Doctor.

I bet you are tensing up your arms and shoulders and neck on the bumpy descents. That can cause headaches.

If you're riding relaxed you should not be feeling road vibration in your head.

take your head off the handlebars.

I've landed on my head at 15 mph from 6 feet up and not gotten a concussion.

I'm thinking you're probably not getting them from road vibration.

I once hit an unseen pothole while in a tight tuck descending and did bounce my face off my garmin.

Eric is probably right.

I've had SEVERE headaches after a really hard ride if I didn't get something to eat. At least I think that's what caused them. I've only had a couple. Really bad. Painkiller taking bad.

In each case something diverted me from taking any nourishment for a over an hour after a strenuous workout that was about two hours long with no calories consumed during the ride.

more likely dehydration

This is sig-worthy.

This mostly likely is the cause. Tensing arms and shoulders which ultimately causes tightening up your head, jaws, neck, etc. results in headaches. Add to that dehydration caused by nervous energy and not enough fluids, and you have at least part of the explanation.

i concur. i also think that it could be b/c the blood in your head is being rushed out little by little. like a little blackout.

Most concussions occur above 90g's and for that to happen though your body (unless you really are chomping down on your bars) is near impossible unless you have a lot of rigid steel plates in there. I wouldn't be surprised if it is a mix between stress of the descent, hydration, and possibly focus/eye related. Either way, if it is enough to bother you and it's occured a few times.. see a doctor.

Probably not concussion, but +100000000000 to those advising that you should see your doctor to rule out any other causes.

motion sickness from the vibrations

Ah, might be true, too.

OP, if your head is bouncing, you're doing it wrong.

I'd see a doctor if fixing your riding form on the next ride doesn't alleviate your headache.

I've got a concussion before from a bike wreck. That was a pretty violent impact - there's no way you'll get one from road buzz.

If you had a concussion you would know it, the headache lasts weeks and doing simple things like sitting up and standing makes your head pound. I have had concussions on three different occasions, it usually takes quite a bit of force of impact to cause it such as hitting a tree with a dirt bike, car wreck tumble/flip, or getting hit in the head with a baseball bat.


You are likely dehydrated, electrolyte imbalanced, and/or carbohydrate depleted.

I really doubt that you're getting concussions from road buzz. But, if you are, the dampening carbon provides isn't going to be enough to stop it. I love my carbon bike, and I do feel better at the end of a long ride thanks to the vibration removal, but it's kind of minor. Try wider tires with lower pressure.

And, because concussions are serious, you should see a doctor and have this ruled out. Once the doc gives you a clean bill of health, ask for a prescription for physical therapy. The PTist will/should be able to help you figure out whether it's due to locking your arms, or some other thing.

if you'd quit fapping while you ride you'll quit hitting things in the road.... just sayin

+1

Have you at least made the appointment?

while your riding, periodically check to see if you are clinching your rear teeth together, you will be suprised how often you do. this will definately cause a headache and focus on not doing it.

Probably one of these two, but you should see a doctor anyways.