Coup-contrecoup injury
Coup-contrecoup injury
A coup-contrecoup injury (pronounced: /kuː kɒntrəˈkuː/) is a type of brain injury that occurs when the brain is jolted within the skull, causing damage at the site of impact and on the opposite side of the brain.
Etymology
The term "coup-contrecoup" is derived from the French words "coup" meaning "blow" and "contrecoup" meaning "counterblow".
Description
In a coup-contrecoup injury, the brain first impacts the inner wall of the skull (the coup injury) and then rebounds to strike the opposite wall (the contrecoup injury). This can cause brain contusions or brain hemorrhages at both sites. The injury is often associated with high-velocity impacts, such as those experienced in car accidents or falls from significant heights.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a coup-contrecoup injury can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and the areas of the brain affected. They may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and neurological deficits such as difficulty speaking, moving, or remembering.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a coup-contrecoup injury typically involves a neurological examination and imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI. These can help to identify the location and extent of the injury.
Treatment
Treatment for a coup-contrecoup injury may involve surgery to relieve pressure on the brain or to repair damaged tissue. Other treatments may include medication to control symptoms, physical therapy to help regain lost functions, and cognitive therapy to help manage cognitive deficits.
Related Terms
- Brain Injury
- Brain Contusion
- Brain Hemorrhage
- Neurological Examination
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Physical Therapy
- Cognitive Therapy
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