Understanding Hematoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment at Prakash Hospital, Noida

It's common to experience some bruising or swelling after an injury or surgery. However, if blood accumulates under the skin or in deeper tissues, it can lead to a hematoma, a more serious condition that requires close monitoring and treatment.

When blood leaks out of broken blood vessels and collects in the surrounding tissues, it causes a hematoma, a lump or swelling. Many small hematomas resolve on their own; however, if not treated effectively, larger or deeper ones may cause discomfort, put pressure on surrounding tissues, and lead to complications.

Our doctors, surgeons, and radiologists at Prakash Hospital in Noida are well-qualified and experienced in treating all types of hematomas, ranging from minor accidents to severe cases of internal bleeding.

This blog post discusses hematomas, their various types, symptoms, treatment options, and when to seek medical attention.

What does it mean to have a hematoma?

A hematoma is a collection of blood that isn't in blood vessels. When a blood vessel is injured, the blood doesn't stay in the circulatory system; it leaks into adjacent tissues.

Hematomas are not the same as normal bruises, as they typically involve larger blood vessels, which exacerbates the swelling, discomfort, and color changes. Over time, the body progressively reabsorbs the blood that has been trapped; however, in some cases, doctors may need to intervene to prevent infection or tissue damage.

Hematomas of Different Kinds

Hematomas can occur anywhere in the body, including under the skin, in muscles, and even within organs such as the brain. A few common groups are:

1. A hematoma beneath the skin

It forms just under the skin following an injury.

It hurts and looks like a red, purple, or swollen spot.

2. A hematoma in the muscle

It usually occurs after a significant bruising or strain on a muscle.

It makes you stiff, hurts, and stops you from moving.

3. A bruise under the nail

It happens under the nail bed of a finger or toe when something crushes it.

It makes people sad, aches, and stresses them out.

4. Hematoma in the ear

It appears on the outside of the ear and is more common in boxers and wrestlers.

Needs must be taken care of right away to avoid permanent damage, which is known as "cauliflower ear."

5. Hematoma in the Septum

It happens inside the nose following an injury.

If you don't receive treatment, it may make it difficult to breathe and damage the cartilage.

6. Blood clots in the gaps between the epidural and subdural layers

The form between the brain and the membranes that protect it inside the skull.

They are medical emergencies that can kill you and are often induced by head injuries

7. A hematoma in the stomach or an organ

Blood gathers in or around organs such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen.

Most of the time, this happens after an injury or surgery.

What causes hematomas to happen?

Several variables can contribute to the formation or exacerbation of a hematoma.

1. Harm to the body

Falling, getting hit, getting into a car accident, or getting hurt while playing sports are the most common causes of blood vessel rupture.

2. Operations

Bleeding from surgical sites after surgery can lead to the formation of hematomas either internally or externally.

3. Medicines that thin the blood

If you use drugs like aspirin, warfarin, or anticoagulants, you are more likely to bleed even if you only have a small cut.

4. Issues with health

People who have bleeding problems like hemophilia or liver illness are more likely to have hematomas.

5. Getting an injection or using a catheter

After getting an IV or shot, blood may collect under the skin.

6. A hematoma that happens by itself

Hematomas can occur even without a clear injury; however, this is quite rare. People with weak blood vessels or difficulties clotting are more prone to have it.

Who Is in Danger?

Anyone can get a hematoma, although some people are more likely to get one than others:

• Older persons whose skin and blood vessels are weak and prone to rupture
• People who take steroids or blood thinners
• People who have problems stopping bleeding
• People who have had surgery or been hurt recently
• People who play sports with contact

Before prescribing treatment to prevent the problem from recurring, the experts at Prakash Hospital in Noida thoroughly review each patient's medical history, medications, and risk factors.

What to Look for When You Have a Hematoma

Some signs that you might have a hematoma are:

• A lump is a hard, raised area that may be painful or feel warm.
• Skin Discoloration: The affected region appears similar to a bruise, although it's usually darker and may exhibit shades of red, purple, or blue.
• Pain and soreness, especially when the region is moved or pressed on.
• Limited Movement: If you have big hematomas near your joints or muscles, it could be challenging to move.
• If you feel warmth or a pulse, you might be bleeding or have an infection.
• If you have a fever and redness, it means that an infection is starting to build in the hematoma.
• If you have a brain hematoma and are disoriented, sleepy, have a headache, or throw up, you need to go to the hospital right away.
• You should see a doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms, especially after surgery or a head injury.

Checking to see whether you have a hematoma

We strive to determine the size, depth, and origin of the hematoma at Prakash Hospital, so that we can plan the most effective treatment.

1. A physical exam

Doctors check for swelling, color, and pain to see whether there is an infection or pressure.

2. Tests using images

Ultrasound: Detects fluid accumulation beneath the skin or within muscles.

CT scans and MRIs look for hematomas that are deeper or located inside the body, such as those in the brain or abdomen.

X-rays can reveal shattered bones or other types of bone damage.

3. Blood tests

Look for signs of anemia, infection, or blood clotting issues.

How to get rid of a hematoma

The location, size, and severity of the hematoma will determine the treatment approach. Some go away on their own, but others need medical or surgical help.

1. Conservative Treatment (for Mild Cases)

Rest: Don't do things that could make the bleeding worse.

Ice therapy: To ease discomfort and swelling, put ice packs on for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours.

Compression: Light bandaging may help stop more bleeding.

Elevation: Lifting the hurt limb helps it swell less.

Pain Relief: Take over-the-counter medicines, but stay away from blood thinners like aspirin.

Hematomas that are small and not too deep normally go away on their own in 1 to 2 weeks.

2. Medical Management

Drainage or Aspiration: If the hematoma is big or putting pressure on something, doctors may use a clean needle or a small cut to drain the blood.

Antibiotics: Given if there is a chance of infection.

Correction of blood coagulation: Patients with bleeding issues may be given clotting factors or vitamin K.

3. Surgery (for serious cases)

Leaving Surgery: Needed when the hematoma puts pressure on the brain, nerves, or organs.

Reconstruction or cauterization is done to fix damaged blood vessels and keep them from happening again.

4. Treatment for Certain Types

Subungual Hematoma: Using a sterile procedure to drain via the nail improves discomfort and pressure.

Auricular or Septal Hematoma: Immediate drainage stops the nose from becoming misshapen or blocked.

Neurosurgeons perform craniotomy or burr hole drainage to relieve pressure on the brain in cases of intracranial hematoma.

Our surgical and emergency care specialists at Prakash Hospital in Noida have access to modern imaging, minimally invasive drainage procedures, and 24/7 monitoring to make sure that patients heal quickly and with as little scarring as possible

Hematomas that aren't addressed can lead to problems.

If you don't pay attention to a hematoma, it could cause major problems like infection and abscess formation.

Death of skin or muscular tissue (tissue necrosis)

Calcification or making the clot harder

Pain or numbness caused by nerve compression

Organ malfunction (if bleeding inside the body keeps happening)

Getting checked out by professionals early on can help avoid these problems and speed up recuperation.

Recovery and Future Prospects

With the right care and rest, most people get better completely. The size and location of the hematoma affect how long it takes to heal. Smaller ones may recover in a few days, but bigger or interior ones may take weeks.

It is vitally important to follow medical instructions, avoid getting hurt again, and go to follow-up visits to make sure you fully recover.

How to Avoid

Wear protective gear when you play sports or do other physical activities to lower your risk of getting hematomas.

• Take care of your diabetes and keep your blood pressure in check.
• Don't use blood thinners unless your doctor tells you to.
• Be sure to follow the directions for taking care of yourself after surgery.
• Eat well to keep your blood vessels robust.

Why Pick Prakash Hospital in Noida

Our physicians at Prakash Hospital use the latest diagnostic equipment and the least invasive treatments to give full care to hematomas and their complications.

Radiologists, trauma surgeons, neurologists, and physiotherapists are all part of our multidisciplinary approach. This makes sure that each patient gets the right care for their needs.

Go to Prakash Hospital in Noida for expert examination and care if you notice any odd swelling, discoloration, or pain after an injury or operation. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent problems from getting worse and help you get back to normal activities quickly.