Helmet causes headache ?

Team4Luke

I reckon I suffer from exercise induced headaches, after a hard session, when get back home just seems to suddenly come on, lightly then building up worse, does help if I either go straight to bed first for a power nap (must be full dark room) and then might not get it later or go to bed when get it. Don't always get one but generally do get a light one, had a very severe one few weeks ago all afternoon and evening, never had a migraine (that I know of) but must be very much like one.
So, got me thinking about a new helmet, I have a specialized 2D (lot of air flow too), has little padding inside and just a little thin stuff at front but none anywhere else all way around it, so I have pretty much a plastic band around my head crushing my skull. I do know there are certain pressure points on your head. 2D sits quite low on your forehead too.
Would a more comfy helmet help, should I go for one that doesn't have a 360 degree crushing fit system, any other tips anyone ?

smidsy

Helmet too tight - your head swells when you get hot - loosen the cage slightly and report back.

brindlescoops

Funny that, its my wife that gets the headache when ever my Helmet comes out, not me.

tiredofwhiners

and make sure those little blue foam lozenges are in place correctly - could be your noggin getting knocked all the time - it'll affect some folks more than others.

Lycra-Byka

I often have to wear a hard hat for work and they cause bad headaches for me and others I know.
So it could be your helmet.

Any chance it's from dehydration? This can also bring headaches.

priory

try going out without the helmet before buying new one .
apart from the helmet poking you could it be your glasses? Dehydration is a common cause of headache.Conversely drinking cold fluid or weird energy drinks due to sudden load of salts or small molecule carbs..

Team4Luke

Lycra-Byka wrote:

I often have to wear a hard hat for work and they cause bad headaches for me and others I know.
So it could be your helmet.

Any chance it's from dehydration? This can also bring headaches.

yes hard hat's for work purposes have a similar 360 degree internal fit system just like my 2D. Looked at a mates helmet, that has fit system at the rear and pulls your forehead against the front where there is more padding but none of the internal fit loc.

Team4Luke

priory wrote:

try going out without the helmet before buying new one .
apart from the helmet poking you could it be your glasses? Dehydration is a common cause of headache.Conversely drinking cold fluid or weird energy drinks due to sudden load of salts or small molecule carbs..

good idea and should be done, but too risky.
Glasses is good tip for anyone, I now wear them over the straps as under and they will press into your head behind your ear, this is also a good safety point in the event of a crash your glasses will come away from your face and eyes. Did this long time ago so, headache point still stands.
Hydration, always drink regulary when training.

gezebo

Sounds like your helmet is too tight. The cradle should not be tight, if you shake your head it's normal for a little movement. You need a compromise- too tight means headache, to loose means it falls off!

May be worth getting a blood pressure check too...

butcher of bakersfield

I get an ice cream head when my helmet's too tight. That achy cold head feeling you get when eating ice cream...

Mae sure you're drinking plenty of water too, during and after the ride.

team47b

you can get headaches after low blood sugar, try eating fast carbs after a ride to instantly raise blood glucose I always found white bread stopped the headache.

Team4Luke

team47b wrote:

you can get headaches after low blood sugar, try eating fast carbs after a ride to instantly raise blood glucose I always found white bread stopped the headache.

true, I always have two bottles with me even on a short ride, session usually ends with meet up at cafe and I have coffee and white toast or milkshake and toast, always sipping my drinks on way home, often have a recovery drink as well when get home, so ruling all this out.
A good tip for leg recovery and helps a little in reducing a chance of a headache is, with just a couple of miles to get home, stick it in a twindle gear, 3rd and spin quickly, ensures you don't keep any effort on and gets rid of latic and tight legs, think also helps to wind down the stress of a hard session more steadily instead of continuing to ride home hard all the way, certainly helps my legs next day as well.
I'm looking for a new helmet anyway, maybe a Kask.

kieranb

Team4Luke wrote:

I reckon I suffer from exercise induced headaches,

Why not do an exercise in a sport that does not require a helmet and see if it occurs? Go for a run etc

team47b

"I'm looking for a new helmet anyway, maybe a Kask."

If your feet ache, why not get some new pedals at the same time

PlymouthSam

Are you sufficiently hydrated ?

Team4Luke

kieranb wrote:

Team4Luke wrote:

I reckon I suffer from exercise induced headaches,

Why not do an exercise in a sport that does not require a helmet and see if it occurs? Go for a run etc

I don't do any other form of exercise, can't run anyway, hamstrings too short and too tight from years of cycling.

Team4Luke

team47b wrote:

"I'm looking for a new helmet anyway, maybe a Kask."

If your feet ache, why not get some new pedals at the same time

They do so just got some lovely DMT Prisma 2.0, dumped the mouldable insole and replaced with a soft shoe one.

team47b

how are you hands? bit numb?

...go on get some new gloves!

Team4Luke

team47b wrote:

how are you hands? bit numb?

...go on get some new gloves!

still warm enough for mitts

team47b

Here too! (38c)

Team4Luke

usual chaingang hard session today, nice rest at cafe after, pottered home, had my helmet a little less tight today, had a 20min powernap straight away which helped but still had a little fuzzy head for rest of afternoon.

Laird_Attwood

I get headaches after wearing any thing on head for long periods of time, baseball/military caps, bump hat at work and cycle helmet.

I do have a large head and find that even the largest size caps I find here are a little tight so that may be a place to look. Only my motorcycle helmet doesn't give me a headache.

siamon

Could try an eye test.

Team4Luke

have regular tests being a contact lense wearer.