While traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can certainly be devastating, injury victims who also suffer “second impact syndrome” (SIS) may have more serious, even fatal, symptoms. Generally, SIS occurs when a victim of a traumatic brain injury suffers a second concussion before the first one has healed; this second impact may cause already-damaged brain tissue to swell rapidly inside the skull (“cerebral edema”), which can lead to permanent brain damage.
Second impact syndrome is prevalent among athletes, particularly in full-contact sports such as boxing, football, and hockey. Fortunately, a great deal of progress has been made in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of sports concussions, particularly in hockey and American football as recent state and national headlines have reported, and the NHL and NFL (respectively) have also grown more cautious about allowing athletes to return to playing before all risks of catalyzing initial concussions are cleared. In this way, the leagues hope to further improve the diagnosis and treatment they oversee so that second impact syndrome may be prevented and athletes may make full recoveries and return to their careers.
Victims of concussions are extremely sensitive to all risks of further injury as they recover, and even minor bumps to the head can potentially cause second impact syndrome. As such, they are strongly encouraged to follow all advice regarding physical rest until they have made complete and full recoveries. If you have experienced head trauma in an accident and are experiencing symptoms of a concussion, it is imperative to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis as soon as possible. The most common signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
– Confusion/disorientation
– Fatigue/insomnia
– Headaches
– Memory problems
– Nausea/vomiting
– Slurred speech
– Short-term personality changes (i.e. irritability)
While most of these are generally classified as minor symptoms, those of SIS may be far more severe, even life-threatening. If you have experienced additional head trauma following an initial concussion, symptoms may include:
– Brain herniation
– Loss of consciousness, vision, or eye movement
– Severely dilated pupils
– Respiratory failure
As with initial concussions, anyone who may be suffering from SIS should seek medical attention as quickly as possible for what may be urgently-needed stabilization; this can range from simply keeping one’s airways open to conducting neurosurgery if the damage is already severe.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or second impact syndrome (SIS) due to an accident and/or the negligence of another entity, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.