contrecoup
Contrecoup is a term used in neurology and neurosurgery to describe a type of traumatic brain injury where damage occurs on the side of the brain opposite to the site of impact. The term comes from French, meaning "opposite blow." It commonly accompanies coup injuries, which occur at the site of impact.
Mechanism and pattern: after a blunt head impact, the brain moves within the rigid skull due to
Clinical features: the presentation varies with the extent of injury and may include headache, confusion, memory
Management: treatment depends on severity. Some cases are managed conservatively with observation, rest, and symptom control,
Prognosis: outcomes vary widely and depend on the overall extent of brain injury, associated injuries, and timeliness
See also: coup injury, traumatic brain injury, diffuse axonal injury.