A haematoma is a collection of mostly clotted blood that forms outside of blood vessels within an organ, tissue, or body space.
Understanding Haematomas
Haematomas occur when a blood vessel breaks, often due to injury or surgical procedures. The leaking blood then pools in the surrounding area, resulting in a localized mass of clotted blood.
Common Causes of Haematomas:
- Injuries: Direct blows, falls, and other types of trauma can rupture blood vessels.
- Surgery: Surgical procedures can sometimes cause bleeding and lead to haematoma formation.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions affecting blood clotting can increase the risk of haematomas.
Where Haematomas Can Form:
Haematomas can develop in various parts of the body, including:
- Skin and Soft Tissues: These are the most common locations, often appearing as bruises.
- Muscles: Bleeding within muscles can be painful and cause swelling.
- Organs: Haematomas can occur in internal organs, sometimes leading to serious complications.
- Brain: A haematoma in the brain can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of Haematomas:
The symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the haematoma. Common symptoms include:
- Swelling: The affected area will often swell due to the pooling of blood.
- Pain: Haematomas can be painful, especially if they occur in muscles or near nerves.
- Discoloration: Bruising or discoloration of the skin is often a sign of a haematoma.
- Tenderness: The area around a haematoma might be tender to the touch.
- Pressure: Large haematomas can put pressure on surrounding tissues and organs.
Treatment Options:
Small haematomas usually resolve on their own over time as the body reabsorbs the clotted blood. Larger or more problematic haematomas may require medical intervention, such as:
- Monitoring: Healthcare professionals will observe the haematoma to ensure it resolves without complications.
- Pain Relief: Pain medication can help with any discomfort.
- Drainage: In some cases, the haematoma may need to be drained by inserting a needle or small tube.
- Surgery: Surgery is sometimes necessary to remove large haematomas or to repair damaged blood vessels.
Key Takeaway
According to the provided reference, a haematoma is defined as: "(HEE-muh-TOH-muh) A pool of mostly clotted blood that forms in an organ, tissue, or body space. A hematoma is usually caused by a broken blood vessel that was damaged by surgery or an injury."
