Second impact syndrome

The rare syndrome describes a concussion superimposed on a first concussion that has not yet resolved, leading to diffuse and catastrophic cerebral edema. Controversies surround the syndrome: (McLendon 2016)

  • Is cerebral edema related to the second impact or is it merely a progression of the first
  • The duration between concussions
  • The pathophysiology of the syndrome, and whether subdural hematomas or other structural anomalies play a significant role
  • The significant predominance of cases isolated to the United States


References

McLendon, L. A., Kralik, S. F., Grayson, P. A. & Golomb, M. R. The Controversial Second Impact Syndrome: A Review of the Literature. Pediatr. Neurol. 62, 9–17 (2016). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27421756/

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