General Information About Hematomas
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the localized swelling formed when arteries, veins, or capillaries in the body rupture, and blood flows into the tissues, muscles, or under the skin and pools there.
Ecchymosis is a superficial color change (bruise) caused by tiny capillaries leaking under the skin. A hematoma is when blood escapes from larger vessels, forming a voluminous, palpable, cystic blood clot (pooling).
As a result of hard blows to the head, blood accumulates between the skull bone and the outer or inner membranes surrounding the brain. This mass of blood puts pressure on the brain and can cause fatal loss of consciousness within hours.
In the skin and muscles: swelling, purple/red color change, pain to the touch, and hardness. In the brain: severe headache, nausea, neurological loss, and paralysis. In the abdomen: low blood pressure and severe pain.
Subcutaneous hematomas are easily detected through physical examination. Ultrasounds or CT scans are used to determine the location, volume, and growth rate of intramuscular, abdominal, or brain hematomas.
For small subcutaneous hematomas, cold (ice) application and rest are sufficient; the body will absorb that blood over time. However, large hematomas that press on internal organs or the brain and continue to grow are evacuated (drained) by making an incision under operating room conditions.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
