You may have heard of second concussion syndrome – especially in the professional sports world. But it can be confusing – today, we’ll cover what it is, the symptoms that may accompany it and the possible treatment options available.
What is Second Concussion Syndrome?
Second concussion syndrome, sometimes also referred to as second impact syndrome (SIS), is a condition that happens when a person experiences a second head injury before recovering from a first.
This kind of injury can result in longer-lasting symptoms and brain damage, with some severe cases proving to be fatal. But unfortunately, second concussion syndrome is a condition that the medical world doesn’t yet fully understand. That’s why it’s critical that you seek medical attention if you suffer any form of impact to your head shortly after a concussion.
What Are The Symptoms of Second Concussion Syndrome?
Second concussion syndrome is caused by a rapid swelling reaction in the brain, as a result of a secondary impact within 7-10 days after the initial head injury. The symptoms are similar to that of a concussion, but can often be longer lasting or more severe. These include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Disorientation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Experiencing back-to-back concussions is a risk we more commonly see among athletes, but it can be a concern for anybody. One of the most severe symptoms of second concussion syndrome is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). CTE patients can suffer from long-term headaches, vision & hearing issues, memory loss and many other chronic issues.
If you experience a second impact, it’s critical that you don’t wait to notice further or more severe symptoms. This condition has little literature on the topic, but it’s known that immediate medical attention is needed to ensure brain function.
What Are The Treatment Options For Second Concussion Syndrome?
If you experience second concussion syndrome, there are a range of cognitive therapies that can help you regain or protect your brain’s function. Here at Parker Performance Institute, we treat our clients with the utmost of innovative care. We dedicate ourselves to providing the technology and the care that is critical for results, your treatment plan is custom to you but could include therapies like oculomotor training, therapeutic vestibular activities, cognition therapy, coordination therapy, and more.
