Helmet Headache

[Karenanywild]

Does anyone have any ideas about how to manage riding headaches? I believe there are 3 factors contributing to the headaches; helmet, heat and glasses.

Can't do much about the heat, but we hydrate well along the way.

I think I fixed the problem with glasses today. I didn't have proper riding glasses that were wide enough to not be staring at the top of the frame the whole ride. It was ok until the headache set in but then it exasperated the problem.

I believe the ultimate source is my helmet. Riding without one is not an option. It seems to fit well. But, after about an hour the headache sets in. I 'dialed' it down to reduce the tension but then as I went over bumps it would bounce around; that didn't seem right so I tightened it back down. I had the same problem with motorcycle helmets.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.

[mariacycle]

I tend to get headaches very easily from tension on my head, particularly headbands and glasses. My first helmet was very cheap and uncomfortable, as were my first cycling glasses (both from Performance). I ended up caving and spending the extra money on a Lazer helmet which tightens all around your head instead of creating pressure points. It absolutely will not bounce around. I also got slightly nicer cycling glasses that aren't tight on my temples. Both have made a huge difference. Good luck!

[Karenanywild]

I have the Lazer Genesis helmet; as you say it feels comfortable and no evident pressure points. But after about an hour I get a headache that is almost unbearable. I've been taking some Excedrin with me on my rides, but if I'm missing something I'd rather not use drugs to make it better. It only bounced around because I loosened it too much.

Maybe it was more the glasses vs. the helmet. I just got some Chris Optics glasses and will give those a try tomorrow. I was using my driving sunglasses and they are just not right.

[marni]

try losening the band around your head until the helmet sits well down on your forehead and then tightening your chin strap so it fits snugly.

[OakLeaf]

You say you think the helmet fits well, but it doesn't sound like it.

What part of your head is the headache in? What motorcycle helmet fits you best?

The last time I tried on a Lazer helmet it was VERY short from front to back. I have a "Shoei head," what Arai calls a "long oval," and there's no way I could have worn that Lazer. Giro helmets are similarly shaped but not quite as extreme. I am wearing a Specialized helmet now and the fit isn't too bad.



ETA: you mentioned heat and hydration as a possible contributor, are you making sure to replace electrolytes?

[Crankin]

Me thinks I am wearing the wrong helmet...
I always get the dent in my forehead. However, I tighten the chin strap and am constantly loosening/tighteningthe ratchet, to control the headache issue.
DH bought me the Lazar helmet, thinking it would help this issue and it felt like a torture device! It was just too tight on my little head. I gave it to my son, who also has a little head.

[thekarens]

Plus one for trying every helmet on. I literally tried every helmet on in every store twice before deciding on my Giro Ionos.

[shootingstar]

Understand the shape of your head.

I didn't know myself ....I cannot wear any Nutcase helmet style because those tend to be round helmets.

I wear my helmet pleasantly snug but it's not pressing me anywhere. I don't really feel much pressure anywhere on my head. I don't really notice my helmet on my head. Not even in the winter, when I readjust for a headband. (That's all I wear underneath helmet.) I just get ...slight wave helmet hair dent. I don't get any dents on my forehead.

There are certain sunglasses which has an arm that's too thick at the sides that hurts my head with helmet strapped on, ,so I'm picky about sunglass arms too and their fit.