Over 100,000 car crashes happen in Arizona each year. Victims of crashes are at risk of suffering from coup-contrecoup injuries. These injuries can result from significant blunt force trauma to the head, such as what might occur in a high-speed car accident or a severe fall. Here is an overview of coup-contrecoup symptoms and what to do if you or a loved one suffers from such an injury.

What Is a Coup-Contrecoup Injury?

Common Coup-Contrecoup Symptoms

A coup-contrecoup injury is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) where the brain is injured at both the site of impact (coup) and on the opposite side of the brain (contrecoup). This occurs because the brain, suspended in cerebrospinal fluid, can move within the skull upon impact.

When the head is struck, the brain hits the side of the skull (coup) and then rebounds to hit the opposite side (contrecoup). These injuries are common in scenarios involving significant force, such as car accidents, sports injuries, and falls.

Types of Coup-Contrecoup Injuries and Their Symptoms

Frontal Lobe Damage Symptoms

The frontal lobe is responsible for higher cognitive functions, such as attention, planning, memory, and behavior. Damage to this area can result in significant changes and impairments. Behavioral changes are common, including increased irritability, impulsivity, and mood swings.

Cognitive impairments may include difficulty with planning, decision-making, and concentrating. Additionally, damage to the frontal lobe can cause motor control issues, such as weakness or paralysis of voluntary movements. These symptoms can profoundly affect an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks and interact with others.

Parietal Lobe Damage Symptoms

The parietal lobe processes sensory information, such as touch and proprioception. Damage to this area can lead to various sensory and coordination problems. Symptoms may include numbness and tingling, making it difficult for individuals to perceive sensations accurately.

Coordination problems can manifest as poor hand-eye coordination and difficulties with spatial orientation, affecting the ability to perform tasks that require precise movements, such as writing or using utensils. These impairments can significantly impact daily life and the ability to interact with the environment.

Occipital Lobe Damage Symptoms

The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information. Damage to this area can result in severe visual impairments. Symptoms may include partial blindness, visual hallucinations, and difficulty recognizing objects. Individuals may also experience visual field cuts, which are areas of lost vision within the visual field.

These symptoms can make it challenging to navigate the environment and perform tasks that rely on visual input, such as reading or driving. Visual impairments can also contribute to emotional distress and decreased quality of life.

Temporal Lobe Damage Symptoms

The temporal lobe processes auditory information and plays a role in memory and emotion. Damage to this area can lead to significant difficulties in various functions. Symptoms may include hearing loss or difficulty processing sounds, affecting communication and interaction with others.

Memory issues are common, with individuals experiencing problems with both short-term and long-term memory. Emotional changes, such as increased anxiety, depression, and mood swings, can also occur, impacting relationships and overall well-being. These symptoms can be particularly challenging as they affect multiple aspects of daily life.

What Are the Short-Term Symptoms of a Coup-Contrecoup Injury?

Symptoms of coup-contrecoup injury

Short-term symptoms of coup-contrecoup injuries typically appear immediately or within hours or days after the trauma. Severe and persistent headaches are one of the most common short-term symptoms.

Individuals may experience intense pain that does not subside with over-the-counter medications. Dizziness and a feeling of unsteadiness are also frequent short-term symptoms. This can make it difficult to walk or stand, increasing the risk of falls and further injury.

Nausea and vomiting are common short-term symptoms, often occurring shortly after the injury. These symptoms can be particularly distressing and may lead to dehydration if not managed properly. Loss of consciousness may occur at the time of the impact or shortly afterward. This can range from brief blackouts to prolonged periods of unconsciousness.

Confusion and disorientation are also common immediately after the injury. Individuals may have difficulty remembering events leading up to the injury or may be unable to recognize familiar people or places.

What Are the Long-Term Symptoms of a Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injury?

Long-term symptoms of coup-contrecoup injuries can persist for weeks, months, or even become permanent, depending on the severity of the injury. Cognitive decline is a common long-term symptom, with individuals experiencing ongoing issues with memory, concentration and decision-making. These cognitive impairments can affect job performance, educational pursuits and daily activities.

Chronic pain, particularly persistent headaches and neck pain, can become a long-term issue. This pain can be debilitating and may require ongoing pain management strategies. Emotional and behavioral changes, such as depression, anxiety and mood swings, may continue indefinitely. These changes can impact relationships and overall quality of life.

Physical disabilities are another potential long-term symptom. Depending on the severity of the injury, individuals may experience long-term physical impairments that affect mobility and coordination. This can include weakness or paralysis in certain parts of the body, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

There is also an increased risk of developing seizures following a severe brain injury. Seizures can occur unpredictably and may require medication to manage. Sensitivity to light and noise can also be a lasting effect. This can make it challenging to be in bright or loud environments, further limiting social and recreational activities.

What Is an Example of a Coup-Contrecoup Injury?

Common Coup-Contrecoup Symptoms

Imagine a person involved in a rear-end car collision where their head strikes the steering wheel. The initial impact causes a coup injury at the front of the brain, right where the head made contact with the wheel. As the head rebounds, the brain moves and hits the back of the skull, resulting in a contrecoup injury. This dual impact causes bruising and damage on both the front and back of the brain, leading to a variety of symptoms depending on the areas affected.