HEMATOMA

HEMATOMA

 A hematoma is a collection of blood outside its vessels. It is caused by an injury to the blood vessel wall, pushing the blood to leak out of the vessel and into its tissues. Moreover, it may occur in any blood vessel, such as the veins, capillaries, and arteries. Its nature varies, depending on its location.

TYPES

The types of hematomas depend on where they are located in the body. These are:

  • Ear hematoma. It occurs in the middle of cartilage in the ear and the skin on top of it.
  • Subungual hematoma. It occurs under the nail.
  • Scalp hematoma. It occurs as a bump on the head.
  • Septal hematoma. It is the result of a broken nose.
  • Subcutaneous. It occurs under the skin.
  • Retroperitoneal. It appears within the abdominal cavity but not inside any organs.
  • Splenic hematoma. It occurs in the spleen.
  • Hepatic hematoma: It appears in the liver.
  • Spinal epidural. It happens in the middle of the spinal cord and the vertebrae.
  • Intracranial epidural. It appears between the skull plate and the lining on the outside of the brain.
  • Subdural hematoma. It appears between the brain tissue and the internal lining of the brain.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of hematomas include:

  • discoloration
  • swelling and inflammation
  • tenderness in the area
  • redness
  • warmth in the skin 
  • pain

Moreover, internal hematomas are harder to detect.

Skull hematoma, on the other hand, is one of the riskiest types of hematoma. Its symptoms include:

  • Severe headache
  • Uneven pupils
  • Inability to move an arm or leg 
  • Hearing loss
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Sleepiness
  • Drowsiness
  • Consciousness

DIAGNOSIS

In order to diagnose your condition, you will be asked about your medical history. Afterward, the doctor will conduct a physical examination, complete blood count (CBC), coagulation panel, chemistry and metabolic panel, and liver tests to evaluate and assess your condition.

Moreover, the following imaging studies are used to diagnose hematomas within the body.

  • Computerized Tomography (CT) scan
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

TREATMENT 

The treatment for this condition depends on the symptoms, clinical situation, and location. Some require no treatment, while severe cases are considered medical emergencies requiring surgical drainage.

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