What is a TBI or Second Impact Syndrome?

When you’re in an accident, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is significant and a second brain injury when you’ve already sustained a first can cause even more catastrophic damage. This is termed a recurrent traumatic brain injury or second impact syndrome, which basically means that you get further damage after a severe first injury.  The effect of second impact syndrome depends on the location of the injury, the severity of the first injury, and the degree of trauma sustained.

To be frank, a second impact after a first is more likely to cause severe brain damage, even if the victim does not lose full consciousness. Just like breaking your neck, and then slipping and falling soon after, a second impact can easily magnify your injury and add to it. If you suffer a blow to the head in the months following a brain injury, even if you feel it wasn’t a very big deal, seek medical attention immediately. A second injury or concussion is often termed a “silent killer”, even if both impacts appear to be minor annoyances.

There are three levels of traumatic brain injuries: mild, moderate, and severe.

Mild injury – A mild TBI is characterized by loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes, if at all. Loss of consciousness doesn’t need to occur and a victim may only appear to be confused or disoriented.

Moderate injury – A moderate TBI is characterized by loss of consciousness that may last up to a few hours and confusion that can last up to weeks. With a moderate TBI, complications can last for months and could be permanent.

Severe brain injury – The most severe TBIs come from crushing blows or penetration to the skull and brain. This level of injury is life-threatening and the victim is not likely to return to the life that they once had.

Recovering from any type of  brain injury may seem like an uphill battle, but it is possible to recover and move on with your life. Although there may be some extreme challenges and set backs, the battle can be fought and won and successfully recovery may be obtained.

People who believe they may have sustained a brain injury or concussion, even a mild one, should know that further symptoms may continue to develop for weeks. Any new symptoms should be addressed by a healthcare professional. Contact skilled brain injury attorneys at Strigenz & HItz Law Firm for more information.  Call 402-593-2000 today!