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Go Back   WakeWorld > >> Wakeboarding Discussion Archives > Archive through May 13, 2007

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Old     (kneeboarddad)      Join Date: Sep 2005       05-02-2007, 2:58 PM Reply   
I have been asked about Austin’s head injury and have seen some questions about his riding after sustaining such an injury. In light of some recent accidents I thought it might be helpful to discuss and to accurately portray what happened.

Austin took a very hard fall on a Pete Rose at the end of his first pass during the quarter finals was pulled onto the boat to be checked out. He was dazed but ok. He completed his run flawlessly and advanced to the semi finals on Sunday. This was 6pm. When he returned to the dock he had no memory of falling or his run. He kept repeating himself and had lost all short-term memory for the entire day. I got the medical crew to look at him and also Dr. Soven. He was diagnosed with a concussion and referred to a hospital. He also sustained neck and back injuries.

The hospital did a CAT scan and x-rays on his neck and back. All came back good. There was no swelling or hemorrhaging to the brain. His eyes were not dilated, no head aches or blurred vision and no nausea or problems with balance. The doctor said it was a concussion and to take it easy for two weeks. We got back to the room at 3am and had decided that he would not ride the next day.

I did a lot of research on the internet the next morning and spoke with several medical professionals. There are all types of concussions and the milder ones allow you to return to contact sports within 20 minutes. All his neurological signs were excellent and we performed some more test the next morning. He passed them with flying colors but he still thought he wouldn’t ride especially since his neck and back were so sore too. This was 10 am.

He decided he would at least go out and ride an easy pass. He had worked too hard and this was a huge opportunity for him. This was his first big Pro Tournament in the US and he had made it to the final 12 riders. He was the first rider off the dock and was scheduled to ride at 1:30 pm. After further consultation with medical professionals he decided to go out and ride his best (unbeknown to me). He killed his run and was very close to making it into finals. He ended up getting 2nd in the heat 5th place overall. He is taking this week off to recoup.

A couple of very important points need to be made. Austin made this decision based on all the medical evidence. All of the observable neurological indicators were excellent. This was balanced with the fact that this is his profession and career and not just a recreation. He is taking the week off to be safe before resuming training. Always take head injuries seriously. If you take a hit to the head get out of the water and see how you feel. If you have any doubt do not continue. Fellow riders and driver need to make sure of this also. Know the signs of a concussion. If exhibiting these signs you may need medical attention but you definitely need to not do anything to further harm yourself. Do not ride for two weeks. You will heal but another knock to the head too soon can result in brain damage or even death.

Helmets. A helmet is a must if you are hitting obstacles but don’t protect you from concussions. Austin was wearing a helmet. The doctors will tell you they provide no to little protection from this kind of fall. They do protect you from hard objects such as your board, tree stumps or sliders. Hope this helps.

 
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