title: Second impact syndrome or cerebral swelling after sporting head injury.
abstract: Second impact syndrome is believed to be the catastrophic consequence of repeated head injury in sport. The scientific evidence to support this concept is nonexistent, and belief in the syndrome is based upon the interpretation of anecdotal cases more often than not, lacking sufficient clinical detail to make definitive statements. The fear of this condition has driven many of the current return-to-play guidelines following concussion. Diffuse cerebral swelling (DCS) following a head injury is a well-recognized condition, more common in children than in adults, and usually has a poor outcome.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. paulmccr@bigpond.net.au
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McCrory
authors.forename: Gavin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Makdissi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000150:complications*; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D013577:Syndrome; D055815:Young Adult