About Second Impact Syndrome
Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) is a potentially fatal injury that occurs when an athlete receives a second head injury before complete recovery from a previous concussion has occurred. The brain loses its ability to regulate blood flow, which can lead to blood vessel engorgement and intracranial pressure. This can cause rapid respiratory failure, coma, permanent neurological injury and possible death. The second blow may be minor, but can still cause SIS if symptoms are still present from the previous concussion at the time of the second impact. Fortunately, SIS is rare. More commonly, athletes who have back-to-back concussions without allowing adequate recovery (typically failing to report the first concussion) suffer from headaches or other symptoms for weeks or months. This prolonged recovery can result in missed school and even an entire sports season due to the inability to concentrate in class or tolerate exercise.
CTE
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a condition that can result from repeated concussions or even sub-concussive blows. Studies on NFL football players have contributed to the increased awareness of this condition. Abnormal protein deposits – the hallmark of CTE - within the brains of former NFL players who have suffered multiple concussions have been linked to numerous negative health effects such as early onset dementia and psychological disorders.