Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Neurology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Exactly one week ago, a roof access hatch fell on my head when climbing up a roof ladder. Immediately after the impact, I was just dazed but did not lose consciousness. Following the incident, the symptoms were headaches that would not go away with painkillers and light sensitivity. Three days after the incident, I did a CT scan, and all the results came normal. Two days after the CT scan, which is five days after the initial incident, I bumped my forehead on the kitchen cabinet while I was walking, and someone swung it open. The impact was mild, and I did not have symptoms with the second incident. Every day my symptoms are getting better (less headaches and light sensitivity is getting better). I read a lot online about second impact syndrome, and it is dangerous if it happens in a short time between incidents (a few days only). Please advise your thoughts on this. Even though the second impact was mild, I do not know if I should be worried.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern and explain that we can exclude this disorder as the second trauma was not serious. As you are already getting better day after day, there is no reason to panic. The second impact syndrome develops within hours from the second head trauma, and it is associated with dramatic symptomatology (limb numbness, limb weakness, gait imbalances, nausea, extreme headache, etc.).
So, to conclude, this is not your case. I hope you will find this information helpful.
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need them.
Kind regards.
Patient's Query
Hi,
Thank you doctor.
Based on what I described to you above:
Question 1: Will the second impact cause any swelling or bleeding in the brain?
Question 2: Will I make a full recovery, or what happened will lead to long-term effects (brain damage, future memory loss, etc.)?
Thank you so much for your help, as you can see I am really worried so really appreciate it.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern and would explain that your symptoms do not seem to be related to second impact syndrome. You should know that this syndrome causes stroke, because the function of brain blood vessels is temporary out of control from the two repeated trauma. In such case, the clinical situation of the patient is really dramatic (limb weakness up to coma). Anyway, this has not happened to you and I am sure that you will recover 100% from this temporary situation. Hope you will find this information helpful. If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to ask me again. Wishing all the best.
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