Athletes, during exercise, can suffer injuries in any part of the body. However, there is a group of particularly dangerous and delicate injuries, such as brain or cranial injuries.
Second impact syndrome: what is it and what symptoms does it cause?
The second impact syndrome is a situation that occurs after an athlete suffers a second concussion before the symptoms of the previous one have subsided. This second concussion can occur minutes, days or weeks after the initial concussion and even the mildest degree of concussion can lead to second impact syndrome.
The cause is uncertain but it is believed that the cerebral arterioles lose their ability to regulate their diameter, thus losing control of cerebral blood flow and causing massive cerebral edema.
It could be defined as the potentially serious complication that could occur as a result of an athlete returning to sport before the symptoms of a minor brain injury have resolved. These symptoms are: headaches, cognitive disturbances and vision changes. Neither the initial nor the second injury need be severe in nature. In fact, it occurs even with indirect impacts, which produce or transmit acceleration forces to the brain.
How to diagnose second brain impact syndrome
Medical professionals specializing in traumatology are the ones who should advise the athlete who has suffered this concussion and, in particular, if they complain of the symptoms I mentioned above, when they should safely return to sporting activity. MRI and CT scans are the specific tests to diagnose edema and other bleeding that may occur.