Coup injury
Definition: An injury occurring directly beneath the site of impact when a moving object strikes a stationary head, or when the head strikes a stationary object.
- Located directly under the point of impact.
- Common when the head is stationary and struck by a moving object.
- Usually associated with scalp injuries and skull fractures.
- Most commonly affects the frontal and temporal lobes.
Contrecoup injury
Definition: An injury occurring on the side of the brain opposite to the site of impact.
- Located opposite the site of external impact.
- More common when a moving head strikes a stationary object.
- Usually associated with falls.
- Commonly affects the frontal and temporal poles.