Cortical Contusion

Synonyms

Bruise; Contusion (cerebral)

Definition

Cortical contusions are bruises on the brain tissue that form from the small blood vessel leaks (veins and arteries covering the parenchymal tissue) or a series of microhemorrhages following trauma. Trauma is usually the result of physical blows to the head such as those sustained in a motor vehicle accident, direct blow to the head from assault, or significant sports-related injuries. Veins and arteries on the surface of the brain are damaged, which results in bleeding and bruising. When the blood vessel is torn, blood escapes from the vessel at a rate that is faster than the blood that can be absorbed by the brain. Consequently, cortical contusions commonly result in edema and increased intracranial pressure.

Current Knowledge

Second to diffuse axonal injury, cortical contusion is the most common type of intra-axial lesion following brain trauma. By radiologic definition, a cortical contusion must involve some portion of the...