Second Impact Syndrome a Following Traumatic Brain Injury
When someone is involved in a traumatic accident, this can lead to severe injuries. One of the most serious is a traumatic brain injury. There are many different types of traumatic brain injuries; however, all of them are severe. Some of the statistics regarding traumatic brain injuries that have been published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include:
- Of all deaths that are due to traumatic injury, traumatic brain injuries make up between 25 and 35 percent.
- Every day, between 150 and 160 people are killed because of a traumatic brain injury.
- Even the people who survive could end up facing complications stemming from the injury for the rest of their life.
- Some of these complications can include issues processing complex thoughts, problems with their memory, and even difficulties with mobility.
Some of the complications of a traumatic brain injury could be as deadly as the injury itself.
The Recovery Process Following a Traumatic Brain Injury
Like any other part of the body, the brain needs time to recover following an injury. Some of the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include:
- A loss of consciousness
- Difficulty with memory
- Extreme irritability (also called a “short temper”)
- Chronic, daily headaches
- Fear of bright lights and loud noises
As long as people are still feeling these symptoms, their brain is still recovering. During this time, it is important to minimize the stimulation of the brain. This is why many medical professionals recommend abstaining from school, work, and screens during this time. Sometimes, people could suffer a second traumatic brain injury while the central nervous system is still recovering from the first one.
Second Impact Syndrome Disrupts This Recovery Process
If someone sustains a second traumatic brain injury while still recovering from the first one, this is termed Second Impact Syndrome. This is a potentially deadly complication that could lead to death. As the brain recovers from the first impact, it’s neurons are still healing. Typically, fluid rushes to the site of the injury. This fluid contains cells and proteins that help the healing process. If a second injury to the head is sustained while this healing process is still happening, additional fluid fills the skull. This leads to diffuse brain swelling, herniation, and death. Second Impact Syndrome could even occur with relatively minor brain injuries, such as concussions.
Watch YouTube Video: Concussion and Second Impact Syndrome Featured. This video, featured on CNN, follows the life of a 17-year-old boy who suffered from Second Impact Syndrome while playing football in high school.
Contacting a Brain Injury Attorney
When a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, it is important to seek medical care as quickly as possible. As the treatment process gets underway, families could find that they have more questions than answers. A few examples of these questions are:
- How exactly did this accident happen in the first place?
- Is my loved one ever going to make a full recovery?
- How are we going to be able to pay for the cost of medical care?
- What is going to happen if my loved one is unable to return to school or work?
- Who is available to help us during this difficult time?
Regardless of the severity of an accident, any family dealing with a traumatic brain injury should take the time to meet with a trained Berkeley brain injury lawyer. A brain injury lawyer in Berkeley has the experience and training necessary to help families through these difficult times. Do not hesitate to ask for help because your loved ones could be entitled to a financial reward.
Berkeley Brain Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Berkeley brain injury lawyer. Second Impact Syndrome could lead to death. If you or a loved one has suffered a head or brain injury, call me at (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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Second Impact Syndrome Following a Traumatic Brain Injury: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: The image at the top of this page is found in its original form at Unsplash.com. The image has been reproduced here with permission/Second Impact Syndrome Following a Traumatic Brain Injury.
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