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Second Impact Syndrome Treatment in Brooklyn, NYC & NJ

It’s bad enough to suffer a concussion, but imagine that while on your healing journey you sustain a setback due to new brain injury. When you participate in dangerous activities that jeopardize your health soon after you recover, there’s a better chance that you could get a second concussion, referred to as second impact syndrome. Learn about the condition from experts in your NY and NJ neighborhood at Neuro Injury Specialists. Call them for an appointment if you have any neurological concerns. Waiting only increases the chances of developing additional consequences.

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    What Is Second Impact Syndrome?

    Second impact syndrome (SIS) is a rare but serious condition that happens when you get a second concussion before fully recovering from a previous one. This causes the brain to swell dangerously, which can lead to severe damage and/or death. It can also exacerbate symptoms that aren’t life-threatening.

    SIS affects the brain in different ways, such as creating individual symptoms or a combination of:

    • Impaired memory
    • Inability to pay attention
    • Reduced reasoning skills
    • Damaged language and vision abilities
    • Coma or respiratory failure in severe cases

    If you suspect a case of SIS, you need quick intervention. The physicians of Neuro Injury Specialists are the leading specialists in neurology, pain management and rehabilitation in New York City and New Jersey. Dr. Mark Cohen, Dr. Dmitriy Dvoskin and Dr. Leon Reyfman diagnose and offer treatment for secondary impact syndrome and other traumatic brain injuries. They have the quick intervention needed to prevent SIS complications.

    Second Impact Syndrome Treatment in Brooklyn, NYC & NJ

    What Are the Signs of Second Impact Syndrome?

    The signs of second impact syndrome may not be obvious at first, but they can quickly become life-threatening. Don’t assume that the symptoms will go away on their own or that they’re not serious, because SIS can cause irreversible brain damage or death in a short time.

    If you notice any of the symptoms in yourself or someone else, seek immediate medical attention. This is especially vital if you know there was a brain injury like a concussion in the recent past.

    Following a head injury, watch for signs of SSI that include:

    • Dizziness, confusion or disorientation
    • Headache,
    • Difficulty speaking, reading or writing
    • Blurred or double vision
    • Loss of balance or coordination
    • Changes in mood, personality or behavior
    • Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
    • Sensitivity to light or noise
    • Seizures or convulsions
    • Dilated or uneven pupils
    • Loss of consciousness or coma
    • Respiratory failure or cardiac arrest

    Who Is at Risk of Developing SIS?

    People who don’t follow the proper recovery guidelines after a concussion or other types of traumatic brain injury, are more likely to develop second impact syndrome. Returning to sports or other activities too soon can expose the brain to further injury and increase the risk of second impact syndrome.

    Although second impact syndrome can affect anyone who has suffered a concussion, some people are more vulnerable than others.

    Factors that increase the risk of developing second impact syndrome include:

    • Children, adolescents and young adults are more likely to develop second impact syndrome than older adults. This may be due to their immature brain development, higher risk-taking behaviors and lower awareness of the dangers of concussions.
    • Males are more likely to develop second impact syndrome than females. This may be due to genetic differences, hormonal influences or higher participation in contact sports that pose a greater risk of concussions.
    • People who participate in sports that involve frequent or intense head impacts, such as football, hockey, rugby, boxing and soccer, are more likely to develop second impact syndrome than those who play less risky sports.

    What Are the Consequences of Untreated SIS?

    There are serious and irreversible consequences for untreated second impact syndrome, including death. These outcomes are devastating and preventable. That’s why it’s crucial to seek treatment for second impact syndrome as soon as possible and avoid any further head injuries.

    SIS is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

    If you don’t get treatment for second impact syndrome, you may face serious irreversible consequences, such as:

    • Brain damage. The rapid and severe swelling of the brain can cause permanent damage to the brain cells and tissues, affecting your cognitive, emotional and physical functions. You may lose your memory, language, reasoning, vision or movement abilities.
    • The pressure on the brain can cause you to lose consciousness and enter a coma, which is a state of deep unresponsiveness. You may not be able to wake up or respond to any stimuli. The duration and outcome of a coma vary depending on the extent of the brain injury.
    • The most tragic outcome of second impact syndrome is death. The brain swelling causes the brain to push through the openings in the skull, resulting in brain herniation. This cuts off the blood supply to the brain and causes respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.

    What Are the Available Treatments for Secondary Impact Syndrome?

    Medication and surgery are the first line second impact syndrome treatment protocols used to reduce the pressure and swelling in the brain and prevent further damage. The extent of treatment for second impact syndrome depends on the severity and location of the brain injury. Your physician performs specific diagnostic testing to determine your injury.

    The team of neurologists, pain management specialists and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists at Neuro Injury Specialists have the required skills and resources to intervene quickly in SIS cases.

    Possible second impact syndrome treatment  includes:

    • Some drugs lower the pressure in the brain by reducing the amount of fluid or blood in the brain. These include diuretics, steroids or mannitol.
    • In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove a part of the skull or a hematoma to relieve the pressure on the brain. This is called a craniotomy or a craniectomy.
    • If the brain injury affects the breathing or heart rate, a ventilator may be used to help you breathe and maintain oxygen levels.
    • After the acute phase of treatment, you may need rehabilitation to restore your cognitive, physical and emotional functions. This may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and psychological counseling.

    Second impact syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can have devastating and irreversible consequences, including death. The good news is that these tragic consequences are avoidable with quick treatment for secondary impact syndrome.

    If you or someone you love has suffered a concussion or a second impact syndrome, contact Neuro Injury Specialists. Take quick action. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Cohen, Dr. Dvoskin or Dr. Reyfman and possibly save your life.