What’s the Difference Between Coup and Contrecoup Brain Injuries?

The difference between a coup and a contrecoup is that a coup brain injury is usually caused by a moving object hitting the head, while a contrecoup brain injury occurs when the head is moving and hits a stationary object. Both of these head injuries can be life-changing. If you were in a car crash or any other type of accident and suffered a brain injury, you may get compensation for medical bills and other losses.

A Norfolk brain injury lawyer will prove the severity of your condition and how this impacts your life. By working with an experienced attorney, you increase the value of your claim so that you can recover more money. Call today for a free legal consultation.

What Is a Coup Brain Injury?

A coup brain injury is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs at the site of impact on the head. When the head is struck by a forceful blow, the brain collides with the inside of the skull, causing bruising and damage at the point of contact.

An example of a coup brain injury is when a person falls off a bicycle and hits their forehead on the pavement. The direct impact causes the brain to slam against the inside of the skull at the point of contact, resulting in a bruise or damage to the frontal lobe.

What Is a Contrecoup Brain Injury?

A contrecoup brain injury occurs on the side of the brain opposite to the site of impact. When the head experiences a forceful blow, the brain impacts the inside of the skull at the site of the blow, then rebounds and hits the opposite side of the skull. This rebound effect can lead to bruising, bleeding, and tissue damage on the side of the brain away from the initial impact.

Contrecoup injuries often result from incidents involving rapid deceleration or whiplash, such as car accidents or violent shaking.

For example, during a frontal collision, the head might first hit the steering wheel, causing the brain to strike the front of the skull. Immediately after, the head snaps backward, causing the brain to collide with the back of the skull. This secondary impact results in a contrecoup injury at the opposite side of the initial blow.

Common Symptoms of Coup and Contrecoup Brain Injuries

Understanding the symptoms is crucial for recognizing and addressing this type of traumatic brain injury. When the brain sustains damage due to a direct impact, the effects can vary widely and influence a person’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

Symptoms of coup and contrecoup brain injuries include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

Being aware of the potential signs and differences between coup and contrecoup brain injuries is essential for early detection and effective treatment. A doctor can correctly diagnose you and create important medical documentation that will strengthen your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Even if you don’t notice any symptoms after the accident, you should still seek immediate medical care to make sure you are unharmed; some signs may appear later.

The Right Lawyer to Handle Your Coup and Contrecoup Brain Injury Case

When you suffer a severe brain injury, you should focus on healing and spending time with your loved ones. Let a personal injury lawyer worry about the legal aspects of your claim. As your attorney, I offer compassionate support and fight to protect your best interests.

If someone else caused the accident, you have the right to recover your losses. I will prove how much money you lost as a result of your injury and how much more you are likely to spend until your life gets better.

In addition to being a brain injury lawyer in Norfolk, I also serve my clients as a:

• Car accident lawyer
• Truck accident lawyer
• Bicycle accident lawyer
• Motorcycle accident lawyer
• Bus accident lawyer
• Pedestrian accident lawyer
• Boating accident lawyer
• Child injury lawyer
• Nursing home abuse lawyer

I have over 15 years serving as a personal injury attorney. During this time, I have handled a wide range of cases and helped many clients rebuild their lives. My track record of successful case results proves my dedication to fighting for justice.

Learn More About the Difference Between Coup and Contrecoup Brain Injuries From an Experienced Lawyer

Being diagnosed with a catastrophic injury can change your life as you know it. While taking legal action against the responsible party may seem stressful, if someone else caused your brain injury, you have the right to recover your past and future losses.

Atkinson Law offers personalized legal guidance based on the details of your case and your personal needs. Contact me, Ed Atkinson, today to discuss your options.