What is the term for brain injury that occurs on the side opposite to where a head injury happened?

The term that describes brain injury occurring on the side opposite to a head injury is "contra coup." This phenomenon typically occurs when a person's head is struck, causing the brain to move and hit the opposite side of the skull. As a result, damage can happen not only at the site of the impact but also on the opposite side due to the momentum of the brain shifting and colliding with the inner surfaces of the skull. The understanding of contra coup is essential in medical and neurological contexts since it influences both diagnosis and treatment strategies.

While concussion refers to a type of mild traumatic brain injury that may not involve structural damage, and contusion indicates bruising of the brain, they do not specify the particular mechanics of injury related to being opposite a point of impact. Cerebral laceration describes a more severe injury involving cuts or tears to brain tissue. Thus, contra coup is distinct because it specifically identifies the injury's location relative to the impact event.