Coup-Contrecoup Injury

Brain injuries can vary widely depending on the specific type of damage that occurred and the location of the brain damage. In some cases, a victim can sustain damage to multiple areas of the brain tissue. One type of brain injury that involves multiple damaged areas is called a “coup-contrecoup injury.” This type of injury can result in serious and often long-lasting effects for a victim.

What Is a Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injury?

When one sustains a blow to the head, the area directly below the impact (the coup) may become bruised or otherwise damaged when it hits against the inside of the skull. If the blow is particularly forceful, the skull may bend slightly inward, which causes the brain to move in the opposite direction. In such situations, the brain may also hit the inside of the skull on the opposite side from the site of impact (known as the “contrecoup”). When damage occurs to both the coup and the contrecoup, serious symptoms may arise. This is because different parts of the brain control different types of functioning and, therefore, challenges significantly increase if multiple areas of the brain are damaged.

Common Causes of Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injuries

In order for the brain to bounce back and forth hard enough to cause damage on both the coup and the contrecoup sides, the blow to the head must be severe or the head must be shaken forcefully on the neck. Some of the common causes for this type of brain injury include the following:

Motor vehicle collisions, especially rear-end collisions that cause the head to suddenly jolt;
Shaken Baby Syndrome or other scenarios in which a child is shaken violently;
Falls that cause a significant impact between the head and the ground or another object;
Collisions in contact sports due to particularly rough plays or lack of proper safety equipment; and
Explosions that cause the brain to vibrate back and forth inside the skull.

These are, of course, only a few examples of the ways in which a victim can sustain a coup-contrecoup injury and experience the many cognitive, physical, and emotional effects that may accompany such an injury.

Consult with an Experienced Brain Injury Attorney in Baltimore or Washington, D.C. at The Casper Firm Today

A coup-contrecoup brain injury can have a significant effect on many different aspects of your life. Not only will you require extensive medical attention but your symptoms may make it difficult to return to school or work for some time. You may even have long-lasting cognitive challenges that prevent you from ever returning to your prior work or activities. If your brain injury occurred in an accident or incident caused by another person, you are likely entitled to substantial compensation. Though no amount of money can lessen the effects of your brain injury, recovering for your financial and intangible losses can help you move on with your life faster and easier. At The Casper Firm in Baltimore or Washington, D.C., we have helped many brain injury victims recover, so please contact our office today for a free consultation.