What is a Hematoma?

A hematoma is a closed wound where blood cannot flow or drain out. This causes the blood to pool and fill a space inside your body. Additionally, if the area fills up with enough blood, it might begin pushing surrounding tissues outward. You can get minor hematomas practically anywhere in your body, and they are common.

Larger hematomas that push on nearby tissues or develop because of dangerous circumstances are concerning. However, minor ones in areas that are not critical typically disappear on their own and should not be taken seriously.

What are the different types of hematomas?

Hematomas are classified into several categories, primarily based on where they occur in the body. They include, but are not limited to:

• Hemostases in the breast
• Newborns with cephalohematomas
• Hematomas within the skull, such as epidural and subdural hematomas
• Internal hemorrhage such as hemoperitoneum
• Other muscle hematomas or rectus sheath hematomas close to your abdominal muscles
• Pregnancy subchorionic hematomas
• Hematomas under your fingernails or toenails, or subungual

What signs of a hematoma are present?

The likelihood that a hematoma will cause symptoms increases with its size. Additionally, when they occupy confined places or are very close to vital tissues, they may result in symptoms. Typical signs include:

• Pain: Pain is one of the main symptoms, as hematomas usually result from injuries.
• Bruises: Shallower hematomas result in noticeable color changes. They can be quite small like bruises, slightly larger like purpura, or tiny like petechiae.
• Swelling: Also known as edema, swelling happens because the accumulated blood pushes surrounding skin or muscles outward.
• Nerve symptoms: Pressure from the blood can result in numbness, discomfort, or a pins-and-needles sensation.

What are the risky signs and symptoms?

Hematomas inside the head can be deadly because there is very little room for blood to fill. Your brain will eventually suffer damage if blood starts to press against it.

Warning signs of head hematomas include:

• An abrupt, intense headache
• Paralysis or weakness, particularly on one side of your face or body
• Vomiting and feeling nauseous
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Loss of balance or difficulty coordinating muscle movements
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness or coma
• Warning signs of internal bleeding in the belly or chest include:
• Breathing difficulties or rapid or slow breathing
• Abdominal or chest pain
• Skin becoming notably clammy, cold, or pale
• Severe pain that happens for an unknown reason or feels much worse than expected

Why do hematomas occur?

Hematomas are mostly caused by traumatic injury. Blunt force trauma is a common cause because the internal blood has nowhere to escape. However, penetrating injuries can also cause them. While your body tries to plug the opening through a process called hemostasis, a hematoma can develop if bleeding continues inside after the opening seals.

Specific injury-related causes include:

• Bone fractures, especially complete breaks
• Broken nose, facial fractures or cauliflower ear
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
• Internal organ injuries involving significant bleeding
• Medical procedures, such as a blown vein from an IV or bleeding after surgery
• Muscle contusions and tissue tears
• Strain-related injuries like sprained joints

Non-injury related causes include:

• Blood vessel tearing, such as aortic dissections
• Clotting disorders like hemophilia
• Blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma
• Internal growths like tumors
• Hemorrhagic strokes
• Organ damage from conditions like kidney stones
• Digestive tract ulcers
• High blood pressure causing brain bleeds
• Ruptured aneurysms
• Infectious diseases like viral hemorrhagic fevers

What are the complications?

Hematomas usually do not cause complications unless they involve a lot of bleeding. Possible complications include:

• Hypovolemic shock
• Ischemia, when the hematoma presses on blood vessels and stops blood flow to other tissues
• Nerve compression symptoms

How is it diagnosed?

A doctor can diagnose a hematoma using a physical exam and imaging tests. During an exam, the doctor will look for skin changes, listen with a stethoscope, and feel the area with their hands. This is called palpating, and it is useful because hematomas feel different from healthy tissue.

Imaging scans used by a doctor include:

• MRI: The best tool for showing deeper hematomas.
• CT scans: Often used to see if hematomas in the skull are pushing on the brain.
• Angiography: Helps find internal bleeding.
• Ultrasound: Useful for shallower hematomas or those around the uterus.

How are hematomas treated?

Smaller hematomas usually do not need professional treatment. For simple surface bruising or sprains, use the RICE method:

• Rest, allow the injury to heal.
• Ice, wrap ice packs in towels to avoid frostbite.
• Compression, wrap the area with an elastic bandage.
• Elevate, keep the affected part higher than your heart.

For serious cases, the doctor will focus on managing dangerous effects, such as blood transfusions or CPR if necessary. Once stable, the doctor will address the cause:

• Surgery to repair vessels or tissues
• Procedures to drain the blood using a needle
• Setting broken bones
• Removing pooled blood to relieve pressure
• Medications for blood pressure or clotting

What can I expect if I have a hematoma?

What you can expect varies based on the size, cause, and your health history. Your doctor is the best person to tell you about your specific case and what you can do to improve your recovery.

Are hematomas preventable?

Most are not preventable because they happen unpredictably. However, you can:

• Prevent injuries: Use safety gear like helmets, padding, and seat belts.
• Manage chronic conditions: Controlling high blood pressure or clotting disorders can prevent internal bleeds.
• Exercise cautiously: Avoid muscle and soft tissue damage.

How do I take care of myself if I have a hematoma?

The best way to take care of yourself is to not aggravate the injury. Giving it time to heal is usually all you need. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor.

When should I call or make an appointment with my doctor?

See a doctor if you have:

• Bruising that does not heal within two weeks
• Frequent bruising that you cannot explain
• Bruising along with muscle weakness, numbness, or skin color changes

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Hematoma treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Hematoma treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced surgeons and emergency care specialists, known as some of the best doctors for injury-related conditions. We provide accurate diagnosis with clinical evaluation and imaging, personalized medical management, and surgical drainage when required. Our team has decades of experience in successfully treating Hematoma in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Hematoma treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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