What is a Contrecoup Brain Injury?
July 2023
A contrecoup brain injury is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is injured on the opposite side of the impact. A contrecoup injury can occur in a car collision or in a slip and fall. The injury occurs when the force applied causes the brain to move inside the skull. The brain hits the opposite side of the skull from the impact to cause injury. Contrecoup brain injuries commonly occur where the head undergoes a rapid acceleration or deceleration. Since the brain is a soft organ, the sudden movement can cause injury. The human brain is a delicate organ that is shielded only by the skull and cerebospinal fluid.
A contrecoup injury is often misdiagnosed or overlooked due to its location being opposite to the point of impact on the skull.
During a contrecoup brain injury, the injury can occur in two different ways. The first injury would be from the initial impact. The second injury can occur when the brain rebounds from the impact.
If you or a loved one have suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the fault of another, take the time of contact an experienced personal injury attorney. At Herrick & Hart, we have been on the side of the injured since 1951.