Final answer:
A second impact injury occurs when a person sustains a head injury or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after already experiencing a previous head injury. This second injury, which can occur shortly after the initial injury or even days later, can have severe consequences as it can exacerbate the initial brain damage and lead to more severe symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
A second impact injury occurs when a person sustains a head injury or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after already experiencing a previous head injury. This second injury, which can occur shortly after the initial injury or even days later, can have severe consequences as it can exacerbate the initial brain damage and lead to more severe symptoms. For example, if a person experiences a concussion and then sustains another head injury before fully recovering, it can result in a condition called second impact syndrome, which can cause rapid and dangerous swelling of the brain.