Hematoma

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Haematomas)

A hematoma is a collection of blood, usually clotted, outside of the blood vessels, that occurs due to damage to the wall of a blood vessel – an artery, vein, or small capillary. It is generally caused by an injury, but can also result from surgical procedures or conditions that impair blood clotting. Hematomas can occur anywhere in the body, including the brain, and can range from minor to severe.

Upper Arm Bruise

Etiology[edit | edit source]

The term "hematoma" is derived from the Greek words "haima" (blood) and "toma" (mass or collection). It describes any localized collection of blood in tissues or a confined space, where it typically clots and can cause swelling and pain. Hematomas are a common occurrence and can range in severity from a minor bruise (also known as an ecchymosis) to a potentially life-threatening cranial hematoma.

Plateletpheresis hematoma 2016
Bruise Hematoma from abuse of spouse

Types of Hematoma[edit | edit source]

Hematomas are categorized based on their location. Some of the more common types include:

Causes[edit | edit source]

Hematomas are primarily caused by trauma or injury that leads to blood vessel damage. This could be from a minor injury, such as bumping into a table, or a major injury, such as a car accident. Certain medical and surgical procedures can also cause hematomas. Additionally, individuals with clotting disorders, or those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, may be more prone to developing hematomas.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of a hematoma can vary based on its location, size, and the amount of inflammation it causes. Common symptoms include localized swelling, pain, tenderness, and discoloration of the skin (bruising). In severe cases, such as in brain hematomas, symptoms can include headaches, vomiting, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and neurological deficits.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Hematomas are typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and medical imaging, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. The doctor will also consider the patient's medical history and the circumstances leading to the injury.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment of a hematoma depends on its size, location, and whether it's causing symptoms. Small hematomas often resolve on their own with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Larger hematomas, or those causing symptoms, may require medical intervention, such as medication to manage pain, drainage of the hematoma, or surgery, especially in the case of brain hematomas.

Complications[edit | edit source]

While most hematomas are relatively harmless and resolve without treatment, they can occasionally lead to complications. These can include infection, nerve or tissue damage, and, in the case of cranial hematomas, increased intracranial pressure and brain damage.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  • Servadei, F. (March 2010). "Clinical value of the Glasgow Coma Scale and the Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score in the evaluation of acute brain injury". Journal of Neurosurgery, 113(3), 729-730.
  • Bullock, M.R., Chesnut, R., Ghajar, J., Gordon, D., Hartl, R., Newell, D.W., Servadei, F., Walters, B.C., & Wilberger, J.E. (2006). "Surgical Management of Acute Subdural Hematomas". Neurosurgery, 58(3), S2-16-S2-24.
  • Nussbaum, E.S., Djalilian, H.R., Cho, K.H., & Hall, W.A. (March 1996). "Brain metastases. Histology, multiplicity, surgery, and survival". Cancer, 78(8), 1781-1788.
  • Tollefson, M.K., & Leibovich, B.C. (2009). "Bladder injury during radical retropubic prostatectomy". The Canadian Journal of Urology, 16(6), 4940-4944.
  • Wijdicks, E.F., & Kallmes, D.F. (April 2001). "Spontaneous lobar intracerebral hemorrhage: clinical and CT characteristics in 63 cases". American Journal of Neuroradiology, 22(4), 677-680.
Hematoma Resources
Wikipedia



WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD