What is a Coup-Contrecoup Traumatic Brain Injury?

What is a Coup-Contrecoup Traumatic Brain Injury?

A coup-contrecoup traumatic brain injury is a severe head injury that could lead to lifelong complications. In this type of TBI, an impact occurs on one side of the skull. This blow to the head causes the brain to slam into the skull on the other side. This means that the brain suffers damage in two separate locations. There are many ways in which someone might suffer a coup-contrecoup traumatic brain injury. These include:

• A motorcycle accident where someone strikes his or her head on the pavement.
• An auto accident where an individual impacts his or her head on the dashboard or window.
• Slip and fall injuries that could occur at work, school, or on the street.
• An act of violence.

Regardless of the mechanism, a coup-contrecoup traumatic brain injury should always be taken seriously. These types of TBIs are often violent and can lead to immediate symptoms.

Diagnosing a Coup-Countrecoup Traumatic Brain Injury

Like any other injury, the diagnosis starts first by looking at the symptoms. Some of the symptoms of a coup-contrecoup TBI include:

• Bruising or bleeding of the skull, signifying a noticeable impact to the head.
• A severe headache that gets worse with movement.
• Trouble remembering the specific events surrounding the traumatic accident.
• A possible loss of consciousness.

If someone presents to the doctor with these symptoms after an auto accident, he or she will probably order imaging of the head. This could mean a CT scan or an MRI. This imaging will ultimately make the diagnosis of a coup-contrecoup traumatic brain injury. This picture will show damage to the brain on two opposite sides of the skull.

Watch YouTube Video: Coup-contrecoup brain injury. This short animated video describes how a coup-contrecoup brain injury can occur.

Recovering After a Traumatic Brain Injury

Once the traumatic brain injury has been diagnosed, the treatment process can begin. A coup-contrecoup TBI requires a significant amount of force. Therefore, the symptoms are often both immediate and severe. This means that the recovery process is frequently prolonged. Some of the components of this treatment process include:

• Possible surgery to relieve any swelling in and around the brain.
• Medications that are used to control chronic pain that could develop.
• Intense physical therapy to help individuals regain some of their lost motor or sensory functions.

Contacting a Brain Injury Lawyer

After seeking appropriate medical care, families might still have questions. This feeling of uncertainty can strain the relationships among family members and friends. Because of this, families should meet with a brain injury lawyer in Orangevale. An experienced attorney can help families review the accident, discuss their options, and pursue damages. Families deserve to have professional help and support during this tough time. Meet with an Orangevale Brain Injury Lawyer today. You and your family could be entitled to a financial award.

Orangevale Brain Injury Lawyer