A bruise of brain tissue refers to which term?

• A. Concussion
• B. Contusion
• C. Hematoma
• D. Laceration

Answer: (B)

A bruise of brain tissue is a contusion. A contusion involves actual bruising of the brain parenchyma with small vessel injury and localized bleeding, forming a focal area of damaged tissue. This reflects a structural injury seen on imaging and can produce specific neurological deficits depending on where it occurs, as well as swelling or edema around the affected area. It contrasts with concussion, which is mainly a functional disturbance without visible brain tissue damage on imaging. It also differs from a hematoma, which is a collection of blood outside vessels in spaces such as around the brain (epidural or subdural) or within brain tissue but described as a bleed, not a bruise of the tissue itself. Laceration refers to tearing of brain tissue, a more extensive and destructive injury.