Virginia Brain Injury Lawyer
Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) is a rare but life-threatening condition that can occur following a second traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained before the brain has fully recovered from a previous injury. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Second Impact Syndrome results from acute, often fatal brain swelling that occurs when a second concussion is sustained before complete recovery from a previous concussion. This is thought to cause vascular congestion and increased intracranial pressure, which can occur very rapidly and may be difficult or impossible to control. The risk of second-impact syndrome is higher in sports such as boxing, football, ice or roller hockey, soccer, baseball, basketball, and snow skiing.
Saving the life of a SIS victim can be difficult because heavy bleeding in the brain starts almost immediately and respiratory failure sets in soon after that. The following are some key points to understand about Second Impact Syndrome.
Rapid and Severe Swelling
SIS is characterized by rapid and severe brain swelling, which occurs when a second head injury is sustained before the brain has healed from the initial injury. Unlike most brain injuries, where swelling may develop more gradually, SIS leads to a sudden and dangerous increase in intracranial pressure.
Potentially Fatal
SIS is considered a medical emergency and can be fatal within minutes or hours if not treated promptly. The brain’s rapid swelling can lead to compression of vital brain structures, respiratory failure, and ultimately death.
Symptoms
Symptoms of SIS can include loss of consciousness, dilated pupils, seizures, respiratory distress, and neurological deterioration. It is essential to recognize these symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if a second head injury occurs after a recent concussion.
Prevention
The best way to prevent SIS is to prioritize the management of concussions and head injuries. Athletes should receive proper medical evaluation and clearance before returning to play after a head injury. Return-to-play guidelines should be followed, which include a gradual and monitored progression back to sports activities.
Age and Vulnerability
Young athletes, particularly those under the age of 25, are believed to be more vulnerable to SIS. Their developing brains may not have the same ability to manage swelling and recover as adults’ brains.
After the Injury
SIS appears to be rare, but anyone who suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion should be careful to avoid blows to the head until all their symptoms resolve. This can mean waiting months or years to resume participation in certain athletic pursuits.
Post-concussion syndrome, which develops in as many as half of people who suffer what doctors call a mild TBI, leaves individuals struggling with headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, sleep disturbances, and difficulties concentrating far past the point when they expected to return to all of their previous activities. Coaches, parents, and student-athletes must be particularly attuned to and respectful of post-concussion syndrome and SIS.
The concerns over post-concussion syndrome and SIS should not stop at the edge of the playing field or the door of the arena, however. Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes cause the largest number of TBIs and concussions. Pedestrians and bike riders who get hit by a motor vehicle are especially prone to brain injuries.
Then, falls rank third as the cause of brain injuries, right behind sports. The lesson is that Second Impact Syndrome is a danger for millions of people each year.
Let Our Personal Injury Law Firm Help
A brain injury is often a long-term or permanent injury requiring rehabilitative care. The financial costs of caring for a brain injury victim through the course of their life can be overwhelming and carry heavy financial burdens. A Virginia brain injury attorney can pursue financial damages against the at-fault party that will assist your family in providing the care your loved one needs, including future medical care, loss of income, pain, mental anguish, and permanent disability.
Contact the legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation to find out how we can help.