What is hematoma?

What is hematoma?

A hematoma is a bad bruise. It happens when an injury causes blood to collect and pool under the skin. The pooling blood gives the skin a spongy, rubbery, lumpy feel. A hematoma usually is not a cause for concern. It is not the same thing as a blood clot in a vein, and it does not cause blood clots.

Is a hematoma serious?

Bruises generally are not serious. In contrast, a hematoma is a leakage from a larger blood vessel. The mark that it leaves might be dark blue or black, but it can also cause significant redness. More severe traumas cause hematomas, which may be serious and require medical treatment.

What are 3 causes of a hematoma?

Some causes of hematomas are as pelvic bone fractures, fingernail injuries (subungual), bumps, passing blood clots, blood clot in the leg (DVT), blood cancers, and excessive alcohol use.

Why would someone get a hematoma?

What are the causes of hematoma? The most common cause of a hematoma is injury or trauma to blood vessels. This can happen as a result of any damage to blood vessels that can disrupt the integrity of the blood vessel wall. Even minimal damage to a small blood vessel can result in a hematoma.

Can a hematoma cause death?

An enlarging hematoma can cause gradual loss of consciousness and possibly death. The three types of subdural hematomas are: Acute. This most dangerous type is generally caused by a severe head injury, and signs and symptoms usually appear immediately.

Is a hematoma a blood clot?

A hematoma is the result of a traumatic injury to your skin or the tissues underneath your skin. When blood vessels under your skin are damaged and leak, the blood pools and results in a bruise. A hematoma forms as your blood clots, resulting in swelling and pain.

Is hematoma a blood clot?

Is a hematoma a stroke?

However, a subdural hemorrhage can become large enough to push against the brain, causing significant neurological symptoms. If a subdural hemorrhage involves significant amounts of blood, it can cause a stroke, due to the pressure.

How is a hematoma removed?

A surgical procedure called a craniotomy may be used to remove a large subdural hematoma. It’s normally used to treat acute subdural hematomas. In this procedure, your surgeon removes a part of your skull in order to access the clot or hematoma. They then use suction and irrigation to remove it.

What happens if a hematoma bursts?

As hematomas break down and absorb the firm collection of blood, they eventually change to yellow or brown. Hematomas can become quite large and collect enough blood to cause low blood pressure and shock.

What are the chances of surviving a subdural hematoma?

The mortality associated with acute subdural hematoma has been reported to range from 36-79%. Many survivors do not regain previous levels of functioning, especially after an acute subdural hematoma severe enough to require surgical drainage. Favorable outcome rates after acute subdural hematoma range from 14-40%.

How do I know if my hematoma is healing?

During the healing process, a bruise will usually go through the following colors:

1. It often starts red because fresh, oxygen-rich blood has newly pooled underneath the skin.
2. After around 1–2 days, the blood begins to lose oxygen and change color.
3. In about 5–10 days, it turns a yellow or green color.