What is a Coup-Contrecoup Injury? - Oren Zarif - Contrecoup Injury

A contrecoup injury is an injury to one side of the brain caused by another forceful impact. A common example is when a person hits a steering wheel and injures the back of the head. In both cases, tensile forces impact the brain's structures, including neurons, blood vessels, and axons. This impact has a number of effects, and these symptoms vary depending on the severity of the contrecoup injury.

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A neurosurgeon will almost always be involved in a person with a contrecoup injury. Neurosurgeons should be involved in treatment if there are significant pressures inside the skull. Treatments for this type of injury include reducing the damage to the brain and managing any other symptoms. Neurosurgical interventions may be necessary, and patients must be closely monitored for weeks to months. Because coup-contrecoup injuries to the brain are usually irreversible, it is vital to seek medical care as early as possible.

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Despite the similarities between the two types of injuries, coup/contrecoup injuries have unique characteristics that make them even more dangerous. When a blow strikes the head with high force, it can cause double-sided damage to the brain. The brain can suffer double-sided damage, and often a bruise will develop at the location of impact. This kind of double-sided damage is extremely severe, and is a major cause of death and disability.

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In most cases, a coup-contrecoup injury will affect the frontal lobe and temples, though it can also affect other areas. A coup-contrecoup injury is one of the most common types of head trauma. While a coup-contrecoup injury does not necessarily require a direct impact on the head, it is caused by a sudden back and forth movement of the head. The result is a brain lesion located under the site of impact. This makes it easier for healthcare providers to diagnose.

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A coup-contortor injury is often classified as a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). While it is not life-threatening, it can still be very painful and affect one's quality of life. A concussion may cause blurred vision, nausea, confusion, and loss of balance. A contre-coup injury is strongly related to a concussion. In fact, there is no better way to protect the brain from the devastating effects of a coup-contor collision than to seek medical advice immediately.

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Contracoup injuries occur when an impact strikes the opposite side of the head. These injuries are common in motorcycle and auto accidents, but they may be difficult to recognize due to their subtle appearance. If they go undiagnosed, patients may suffer long-term health risks. If they do develop, the treatment for these injuries will be limited to the side of the brain where they suffered the most damage. If they don't get treated early enough, the risk of permanent damage is significantly higher.

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The physical and psychological effects of a coup-contrecoup injury are often life-changing and can result in serious disabilities. The closed head injury is much more difficult to treat than an open one. The damage to the visual system includes cuts and bruising on the head, while vocal indicators include slurred speech and loss of words. Additionally, the victim may experience a loss of balance, difficulty seeing colors and odors, and blackout.

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The most recent case to illustrate the damages that can result from a contrecoup injury is Dishman v CJK Trucking, a Texas case in which a 9-year-old boy was rear-ended by a large tractor trailer and suffered a traumatic coup-contrecoup head injury. A jury awarded the boy $1.3 million for his injuries and permanent hearing loss. He lost his vision in one eye and suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the accident.

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A coup-contrecoup injury involves two separate injuries to the brain. A coup injury is caused by a blow to the head directly under the point of impact. A contrecoup injury, on the other hand, occurs to the opposite side of the brain. Unlike a concussion, a coup-contrecoup injury can result in significant damage to the brain. In some cases, the coup injury and contrecoup injury can be separated by a few millimeters.