Understanding “coup-contrecoup” brain injuries

The effects of a brain injury depend largely on which part of the brain was injured. Different lobes (sections of the brain) are responsible for different functions.

What if two lobes of the brain are injured? This is called a “coup-contrecoup” injury. It is French for “blow-counterblow.”

This often occurs when someone strikes their head on a hard surface (or something strikes the head) and the blow is so intense that the brain moves within the skull, injuring another part of the brain. This can happen in vehicle crashes, falls or when someone suffers any kind of blunt force trauma to the head. The effects are multiplied – often making the injury life-changing for a long time and even potentially permanently.

Common effects of this type of injury

The lobes affected in a coup-contrecoup brain injury are typically on opposite sides – most often the frontal lobes and the back (parietal) lobe. Such an injury can impact things like:

• Ability to perceive pain and temperature

• Behavior

• Decision making and problem solving

• Judgment

• Language (including reading and writing)

• Memory

A coup-contrecoup injury can prevent someone from working, going to school, driving, caring for their children and engaging in many daily activities that most people take for granted. It can also affect their relationships with others and their feelings about themselves.  

It’s impossible to know how long it will take the brain to heal – and how complete the healing will be. That’s why it’s critical not to accept any kind of settlement offer from an at-fault party or their insurer until you know what kind of medical care, therapy, inability to work and other losses will occur. If a loved one has suffered a coup-contrecoup or any serious brain injury, your best first step is to get experienced legal guidance to work toward the best possible settlement.