Damage to the cardio-respiratory centers in the medulla oblongata will cause respiratory arrest and (secondarily) cardiac arrest. Investigation is underway regarding the use of neuroprotective agents during the prolonged post-traumatic period of brain hypersensitivity associated with the syndrome. See also
Second-impact syndrome

References


== External links ==
Factors that may contribute to a decrease in effectiveness:
Missing more than one active pill in a packet,
Delay in starting the next packet of active pills (i.e., extending the pill-free, inactive pill or placebo pill period beyond 7 days),
Intestinal malabsorption of active pills due to vomiting or diarrhea,
Drug-drug interactions among COCPs and other medications of the user that decrease contraceptive estrogen and/or progestogen levels.In any of these instances, a backup contraceptive method should be used until hormone active pills have been consistently taken for 7 consecutive days or drug-drug interactions or underlying illnesses have been discontinued or resolved. According to CDC guidelines, a pill is considered "late" if a user takes the pill after the users normal medication time, but no longer than 24 hours after this normal time. If 24 hours or more have passed since the time the user was supposed to take the pill, then the pill is considered "missed." CDC guidelines discuss potential next steps for users who missed their pill or took it late. Role of placebo pills
The role of the placebo pills is two-fold: to allow the user to continue the routine of taking a pill every day and to simulate the average menstrual cycle. By continuing to take a pill every day, users remain in the daily habit even during the week without hormones.