Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the EMT Basic Certification Exam. Study with exam-like questions, each with thorough explanations and insights. Ace your exam and advance your medical career.

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What causes the brain injury known as coup-contrecoup?

Direct impact to the skull
Pressure build-up from swelling
Shifting of the brain during sudden deceleration
Exposure to extreme temperatures

The correct answer is: Shifting of the brain during sudden deceleration

Coup-contrecoup brain injury occurs due to the shifting of the brain during sudden deceleration, which is typically associated with traumatic forces, such as those experienced in a car crash. When the head undergoes rapid acceleration and then deceleration, the brain moves forward and then rebounds backward against the skull, causing injuries at both the site of impact (coup) and the opposite side (contrecoup). This dual impact can lead to a range of symptoms and complications, including bruising, bleeding, or swelling in the brain. The mechanism of the brain shifting is crucial in understanding how this type of injury can occur even in the absence of a direct blow to the head. This highlights the importance of recognizing how forces exerted on the head can lead to significant consequences for brain health. Injuries can extend beyond the location of direct contact, making coup-contrecoup injuries particularly complex and serious in their potential effects.