Quick question about Second Impact Syndrome
 

Hey there. This may sound pretty pathetic, but...
I've been suffering PCS for the last 2 weeks and I'm already feeling alot better. But I've just read about SIS on wikipedia and I'm absolutely crapping myself over the description of how easy it is to get it.
I mean, can a simple "jerking of the head" really cause this? Does that mean I'll risk dying from doing jumping jacks or shaking my head sideways? I'm not sure whether or not I'm getting worked up over this because of the severe anxiety caused by my concussion, but I can't even sleep with the fear of lightly bumping my head on the wall. Could somebody give me an idea of how hard you would need to hit your head to risk getting SIS?

Sareth,

Second Impact Syndrome usually requires a impact to the head, not just a simple jerk. That does not mean that you can do jumping jacks or other vigorous activities that cause intense movement of the head.

Most of the cases of Second Impact Syndrome are caused by another concussion like event. There is a cumulative effect of shaking the head that should be avoided. Riding down a jarring road can be a problem just as a ride in a shaking roller coaster.

Just take it easy for a few more weeks while you brain has a chance to heal.

A simple way to understand the effect of different movements on the head is to wear ear plugs. It will magnify the sense of the impact of planting your feet as you walk or run. You can use this system to develop a softer walking or running gait. In the long run of your life, having a smoother walking and running gait will not only help your brain but it will also be easier on your knees and hips.

Don't spend you time anxious about this. Anxiety is not good for the healing brain. After a few weeks, you can slowly introduce more movement to your day. Then wait a day or two before trying more exaggerated movements. often, the symptoms caused by stresses to the brain will not show up until the next day.

Relax, get good sleep and nutrition and give your brain time to heal.

My best to you.

I've been wondering if I got this from going for a run. Less than a week after my current concussion, I went for a run. I ran a mile and a half. I wonder if that's why I"m going through all of this. The run was horrible, I had to walk/run. Normally I do 5 miles easy at a 9min pace. This mile and a half took me almost an hour. oops. not my brightest move.

Second Impact Syndrome would have stopped you in your tracks. the brain pressure causes coma and if not treated quickly, much more serious problems arise.

Otherwise, it is just a case of overdoing it causing a intense return of concussion symptoms, not Second Impact Syndrome.

Don't worry about it, just don't do stupid things like play soccer or anything where you are likely to hit your head. Most of the time if you do hit your head again it just means more recovery time. There are many many athletes and stupid people like me who just keep hitting their head before they can recover, and while we are hurting, we ain't dead yet :) So, yes, be careful, but worry is the worst thing for you right now, and sleep is the best thing for you!

(I got 8 concussions in 1 year and have now been concussion free for 1 year!!)

Good Luck, you will be fine!
Margarite