The Danger of SIS Following a Brain Injury

Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) is a rare but life-threatening condition that can occur if a second traumatic brain injury (TBI) is sustained before the brain has fully recovered from a previous injury.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, SIS results from acute, often fatal brain swelling that happens 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 rapidly and may be difficult or impossible to control.

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 SIS. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in an accident, call our office to speak with a dedicated Norfolk personal injury lawyer.

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 activities.

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.

Although many head injuries are sustained while engaging in athletic activities, the concerns over post-concussion syndrome and SIS should not stop at the edge of the playing field or the door of the arena. 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.

Falls rank third as the cause of brain injuries, right behind sports. The reality is that SIS 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 Norfolk 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 and learn how we can help. Our firm will work diligently to get you the financial compensation you deserve, like the $600,000 insurance settlement we obtained for one client who suffered a brain injury when another vehicle slammed into the back of her car, causing it to spin into a head-on collision with an oncoming 18-wheeler.