Where is the contre-coup? Atypical localization of occipital brain contusion

Abstract

Most traumatic brain injuries with occipital impact cause frontal and temporal contre-coup lesions, while patients with coagulopathies are more susceptible to such lesions. We present the case of a chronic ethylic patient with thrombocytopenia, who was treated for ethanol withdrawal syndrome at a psychiatric service. The head CT scan revealed an occipital contusion with atypical localization and the absence of fronto-temporal contre-coup lesions. In conclusion, it is recommended a head CT scan to chronic alcoholic patients with psychiatric manifestations, especially in the context of systemic coagulopathies related to excessive alcohol consumption. In the case of chronic ethylic patients that frequently display systemic coagulation disorders, the head CT scan is necessary at the first psychiatric manifestations.

Keywords

• atypical occipital contusion
• brain injury
• coagulopathy