California Coup Contrecoup Injury Attorneys
Coup Contrecoup Injury
The type of brain trauma known as a coup contrecoup injury can be quite devastating and often has serious consequences. The brain is contused in not just one, but two locations. The damage and/or destruction of the blood vessels that occurs as a result can have lifelong impacts for the victim depending on the part of the brain that suffers damage.
The Difference Between Coup and Contrecoup Injuries
To comprehend the distinction between coup and contrecoup injuries, it is important to understand that the brain is somewhat fluid in that it can move within the skull. Let's say a person is driving a vehicle at a high speed and rear ends another car. The driver's head slams into the steering wheel. Because of the impact, the driver's brain moves forward and strikes the skull around the forehead area. This contusion, which occurs at the site of impact, is known as a coup injury. Then, the brain essentially "bounces" off the front and moves towards the back of the skull, which creates a bruise on the opposite side of the brain. This contusion, which occurs opposite the site of impact, is known as a contrecoup injury. Coup and contrecoup injuries can occur on their own, but the term coup contrecoup injury means that a single trauma caused both types of injuries.
Common Causes of Coup Contrecoup Injuries
There are several situations in which coup contrecoup injuries are likely to occur. One is automobile accidents that involve an extremely strong blow to the head. Shaking a baby can also cause coup contrecoup injuries. Even though there is no blunt force trauma, the violent movements are enough to cause the brain to strike the skull. These blows cause multiple contusions.
Complications of Coup Contrecoup Injuries
Some of the serious consequences of coup contrecoup injuries in addition to contusions are the following:
- Hematomas (bleeding in the brain)
- Brain swelling causing increased intracranial pressure
- Adverse effects on the flow of cerebrospinal fluid
- Damage to brain tissue due to skull fragments
Depending on the site of the injury, coup contrecoup injuries can also result in the following:
- Problems with producing and/or understanding speech
- Muscle weakness
- Paralysis
- Problems with the decision-making process
- Difficulties swallowing
- Memory loss
- Disruptions to one or more senses
- Balance problems
- Loss of coordination
Unlike the symptoms of concussions, which often disappear after a short time, the issues listed above can unfortunately last a lifetime since the brain damage cannot typically be reversed. Coup contrecoup injuries will often require long-term medical treatment and therapy. Individuals may never be able to enjoy the quality of life they had before the injury occurred.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a coup contrecoup injury in California, you have legal rights! Please contact an experienced California head injury lawyer at The Brain Injury Legal Help Center to discuss your situation and receive answers to your coup contrecoup injury related questions. Call today at (800) 610-1892.