Second impact syndrome in football: new imaging and insights into a rare and devastating condition

J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2013 Mar;11(3):331-4. doi: 10.3171/2012.11.PEDS12343. Epub 2013 Jan 1.

Abstract

Premature return to play for the concussed pediatric athlete may result in devastating neurological injury. Identification of at-risk patients and ideal management of the concussed athlete remain challenging for the pediatrician. The authors review a case of second impact syndrome in which neuroimaging was obtained between the first and second impacts, a circumstance which to their knowledge has not been previously reported. This case offers new insights into the underlying pathophysiology of this disease process and potential risk factors for its development.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Concussion / pathology*
  • Brain Concussion / psychology
  • Brain Concussion / rehabilitation
  • Fatigue / etiology
  • Football / injuries*
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Pressure / physiology
  • Male
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / pathology*
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / psychology
  • Recurrence
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome