SECOND IMPACT SYNDROME

Second Impact Syndrome is a very rare condition, which in most cases have occurred in young athletes, in which a second concussion occurs before a first concussion has properly healed, causing rapid and severe brain swelling and often catastrophic results. Second impact syndrome can result from even a very mild concussion that occurs days or weeks after the initial concussion.   If you feel you have suffered a concussion, it’s best if you don’t return to play until the symptoms of the initial head injury are gone.

Second impact injury can occur in the same game or competition, or it can result within a matter of days or weeks, if the athlete isn’t removed and treated after the first concussion. Neither impact has to be severe for second impact syndrome to occur. Symptoms usually occur immediately following the second impact and progress rapidly.

Typically, some of the common symptoms the athlete can suffer are, dilated pupils, unconsciousness, respiratory failure, loss of eye movement and in some cases even death.   In those cases where it isn’t fatal, you can expect the long-term effects to be similar to those of severe traumatic brain injury.