First and foremost, our thoughts go out to Ms. Richardson’s friends and family.

Whether you’re riding a bike, driving a motorcycle, skiing or participating in other active sports, it is important to wear recommended safety equipment at all times. Helmets can protect against head injuries and potentially save lives. Unfortunately, head and brain injuries are all too common. Further, injuries that may appear minor can result in lasting physical, cognitive, behavioral or emotional difficulties – or even have more devastating consequences. Visit your physician or local emergency room for immediate assistance if you’ve sustained any type of head injury.

People with a brain injury may experience short-term memory loss; have difficulty concentrating or paying attention; become easily disoriented; have impaired judgment; experience headaches or migraines; have slurred speech; experience seizures; become fatigued, depressed, or easily agitated; or experience increased anxiety and impulsive behaviors. News reports suggest Ms. Richardson went to the hospital after experiencing a headache about an hour after the incident.

Occupational therapy can help people address the long-term consequences of a brain injury. The type and duration of therapy intervention depend on the severity of the injury – ranging from helping the individual perform simple tasks that are meaningful to their life to teaching the individual to compensate for problems with thinking, such as memory impairments.

Source: AOTA