A hematoma is defined as a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel following an injury to the vessel. Any injury to a blood vessel can cause bleeding. In such cases, blood often seeps into surrounding tissues.

Several types of hematomas are indicative of medical emergencies and scenarios – such as a subdural hematoma and/or intracranial (brain) hematoma.

Among the most common causes of hematomas include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a blood clot in the leg, and injuries such as bone fractures that damage surrounding blood vessels and cause breakage, tearing, or leaking.

How do you know if you have a hematoma?

A hematoma can be as minor as a small bruise or as serious and potentially life-threatening as a DVT. Symptoms of a hematoma will depend on their location, severity of the injury, and involvement of nearby tissues or structures that may become inflamed or swollen.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with hematoma include but are not limited to:

  • Headaches
  • Skin discoloration
  • Seizures (in the case of a subdural hematoma)
  • Loss of bladder and/or bowel control (indication of an epidural hematoma)
  • Pain in the abdomen (indicative of a peritoneal, liver, spleen hematoma)

Mild or superficial hematomas on the skin and soft tissues including muscle are typically relieved through the RICE approach (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).

More serious hematomas caused by a collection of blood outside of a vein, such as a cranial hematoma caused by a head injury, can be life-threatening. Anytime an injury occurs to the head, a risk of a hematoma presents itself. Some people will not notice anything. Others may have a mild headache. Others can lose consciousness.

It should be noted that a head injury doesn’t necessarily mean that a person has a brain injury. However, bleeding in the brain produces blood clots. In such cases, surgery may be necessary to remove those blood clots as well as relieve associated pressure on the brain.

Common signs and symptoms of a hematoma

Signs and symptoms of a hematoma may not present immediately following a fall in injury. In some cases, swelling and bleeding develops slowly.

Common signs of a cranial hematoma caused by a head injury include confusion and lethargy. Symptoms are also different between an epidural hematoma (bleeding that occurs between the dura mater and the skull), and a subdural hematoma (occurs beneath the dura mater and the arachnoid layer of the brain.)

Subarachnoid hematomas cause bleeding in the area beneath the arachnoid layer where cerebrospinal fluid is found. In such cases, an individual may complain of severe and intense headaches and may also experience vomiting.

Not all hematomas are dangerous. However, watch for signs of bleeding, which is visible with bruising, swelling, or pain/pressure that may indicate damage to deeper tissues and blood vessels. In such cases, err on the side of caution and seek urgent care.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Education

Richard Cohen’s Story with Blood Clots

A special thank you to Richard M. Cohen for helping the American Blood Clot Association to educate the public about the danger of blood clots. Mr. Cohen has been the recipient of numerous awards in journalism, including three Emmys, a George Foster Peabody and a Cable Ace Award. He is married to journalist, Meredith Vieira

Read More »
Education

Blood Clot or Charlie Horse?

We’ve all felt it – that teeth-grinding muscle spasm in the arch of the foot, the back of the calf, or the back of the thigh (hamstrings). When do you know if that Charlie Horse is more than a muscle cramp? What if you get them often? How can you tell the difference between a

Read More »
Science

Does Aspirin Cause Blood Clots?

Aspirin is an over-the-counter product that’s been used for generations, not only to reduce pain and fever, but for other benefits as well. Does aspirin cause blood clots? No. That doesn’t mean that using it is without risks for some. One of the benefits of low-dose aspirin (around 75 mg to 80 mg) daily has the potential

Read More »
Prevention

Foods that Prevent Blood Clots

Blood clots form for a number of reasons: a surgical procedure, obesity, a medical condition, or an injury. Blood thinning and anticoagulation medications are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots for individuals at risk. In addition to medication, a number of foods prove beneficial in preventing the development of blood clots.Blood clots are commonly formed

Read More »
Education

Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

What is a pulmonary embolism? Pulmonary embolism defines the sudden blockage of a pulmonary artery inside the lung by an embolus, typically from a blood clot that has an origin somewhere else in the body, such as a deep vein thrombosis of the leg. When it comes to defining signs and pulmonary embolism symptoms, the

Read More »
Education

How is Someone Tested for Blood Clots?

A definitive diagnosis of the presence of a blood clot can be performed at your doctor’s office or hospital setting. Depending on the suspected location of the blood clot and the type, a physician has a number of options at his or her disposal. Among them include:  Blood tests  CT scans  Ultrasounds  MRIs How do blood

Read More »
Scroll to Top