Head injuries can contribute to a variety of complications, but many people overlook the significance of Second Impact Syndrome. The complexity of brain injury treatment intensifies when a patient experiences more than one head injury in a brief period of time.
If you suffer a head injury in an accident while recovering from a concussion or similar injury, you should understand the risks and potential complications of Second Impact Syndrome.
What is Second Impact Syndrome?
Second Impact Syndrome occurs when an individual sustains a second head injury while still recovering from the first one. It occurs most commonly in young people, such as high school athletes, but can occur from an accident as well.
When you suffer a second head injury while the brain is still healing from the first one, it can lead to severe complications. The brain’s ability to regulate blood flow is already compromised by the first injury, which can cause a significant increase in intracranial pressure after a second injury. This pressure increase puts you at risk of seizure, coma or death.
Can you recognize Second Impact Syndrome?
Watching for early signs of potential SIS complications can help you get medical attention right away. Severe headaches, dizziness, nausea and concentration problems following a second head injury are cause for concern and warrant medical attention.
Hospitals treated more than 214,000 cases of brain injuries in 2020. Recognizing the signs of concussion and responding to the risk of Second Impact Syndrome can protect your long-term health and provide you with the documentation you need for a personal injury claim.
