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 Medical Abbreviation: A Closer Look at Second Impact Syndrome
Written By:
Paulette Campbell RN-BC, BSN, MJ
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant
Medical Abbreviation |
Medical Test |
SIS |
Second Impact Syndrome |
The term SIS, first coined in 1973, is a neurological syndrome. It occurs when an individual (typically an athlete) sustains a head injury, and then prior to their full recovery of that initial injury, they sustain a second head injury. The second injury does not necessarily have to occur immediately following the first. In fact, it can occur up to weeks following the initial head injury. Further, it is important to note that loss of consciousness does not have to be accompanied by the first head injury. When SIS does occur, cerebral edema and herniation of the brain tissue are the results. Collapse and death then follow. Two distinctions that distinguish other head injuries from SIS are; 1) the initial head injury resolves and 2) there is not a devastating outcome (such as death) as a result of the injury.
The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated a concussion rate of twenty-percent from football brain injuries. That equates to about 300,000 concussions per year (the majority of these injuries occurring at the high school and college athletic levels). Other studies have found that 20% of football players reported experiencing two or more concussions.
Prevention of the traumatic disorder is the only way to avoid the devastating results of the syndrome. For this very reason, it is essential that an athlete who has symptoms from a head injury not be allowed to continue in contact or collision activities until all cerebral symptoms have subsided. It is also imperative that properly trained medical professionals be available at sporting events to properly evaluate the severity of head injuries when they occur. Trained professionals should use concussion scales with return to play criteria such as the Cantu system or the Kelly system.
A medical review involving a case with possible SIS depends on the successful identification of the first injury, review of healthcare professional recommendations, and patient compliance. Medical timelines are often important in identifying and illustrating the timing of both injuries and the treatment regimen that occurred between both injuries. Our medical legal consulting firm offers solutions to both of these needs. Contact our office today at 630-551-0978 or info@medicaljurisprudence.com.
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