One concussion is bad enough. Multiple concussions can be deadly.

Typical symptoms of concussion as reported by SportsMD.com include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Delayed verbal/motor response
  • Confusion/difficulty concentrating
  • Disorientation
  • Slurred or incoherent speech
  • Incoordination
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Inability to remember recent or past events
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
  • Sensitivity to loud noises
  • Fogginess

Several studies in the 1970’s and ’80’s documented the cases of three athletes who died after suffering more than one concussion. Now, more than ever before, medical professionals and athletic trainers understand the catastrophic impacts repeated concussions can have on athletes.

Second Impact Syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when a second concussion occurs before a first concussion has properly healed causing rapid and severe brain swelling that could lead to permanent disability or death (BrainandSpinalcord.org).

Even with all of this newfound knowledge, there hasn’t been a concrete platform that coaches and trainers could use to evaluate an athlete’s injury and recovery from a concussion.

Until Now.

Fact:

Since 1984, at least 26 deaths have been attributed to Second Impact Syndrome, 20 of them occurring in the past 10 years.