Beware of Second-Impact Syndrome After Concussions

It can occur when athletes return to play too quickly after head injury

MSN Health—May 22, 2011

(HealthDay News) -- Young athletes who return to play before a concussion fully heals and sustain another head injury can suffer serious and potentially deadly brain complications, an expert warns.

Athletes under age 25 are especially vulnerable to "second-impact syndrome," according to Dr. James Kinderknecht, a sports medicine and shoulder service physician at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

But there are ways to prevent a subsequent injury, including knowing the signs of concussion. These include headache, dizziness, irritability, mood changes, vomiting, changes in vision and hearing and difficulty following instructions.

If young athletes have any of these symptoms in the hours or days immediately after a head injury, their physical activity should be restricted until they're evaluated by a doctor.

"I always tell my patients, if it's a sore knee, it might be all right to try to play," Kinderknecht said. "But you can't take chances with what may be a brain injury. If there are any symptoms, even mild ones, it is not appropriate to participate."

"With educated parents and coaches supporting a stringent policy about keeping injured players off the field, we can all worry less about second-impact syndrome," he added.