A hematoma is a serious wound. Occurs when the injury causes the blood to collect and clot under the skin. Combined blood makes the skin spongy, inflamed, and lumpy. A hematoma is usually not a cause for concern. It is not like a blood clot in a vein, nor does it cause blood clots. How dangerous is a hematoma? A hematoma is similar to an injury or a blood clot but, if left untreated, can damage tissue and lead to infection. A nose injury can tear blood vessels inside and near the septum where both bones and cartilage are located. This may be due to any damage to the arteries that can impair the integrity of the artery wall. Even minor damage to a small blood vessel can cause a hematoma. For example, a hematoma under the nail (subungual hematoma) may appear from a small scratch to the nails or from a small blow to an object. Severe trauma can cause severe hematomas. A fall from the top or a car accident can cause significant bleeding under the skin or inside the body cavities (chest or abdomen). Other types of hematoma-induced tissue damage can be caused by surgery of any kind, invasive or dental procedures (for example, biopsies, cutting and draining, cardiac catheterization), and injections (for example, insulin, blood thinners, vaccines). Because these processes damage tissues close to blood vessels, hematomas may often form in the area of the procedure. In some cases, a hematoma may occur spontaneously without any apparent cause or memory of any particular injury or trauma. Certain blood thinners may increase the risk of hematoma formation. People taking drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin), plavix (clopidogrel), aspirin, persantine (dipyridamole), or products containing aspirin (such as Alka Seltzer) may develop a hematoma easily in blood vessels of some people. These drugs interfere with the ability to block the blood and therefore, minor damage to the blood vessels becomes more difficult to repair, leading to the formation of a hematoma. Other common medications and ingredients that may increase the tendency to bleed include; vitamin E, non-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Aleve), garlic ingredients, once and Ginkgo biloba. In short, the list of drugs that cause excessive bleeding includes; warfarin (coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), aspirin, products containing aspirin (Alka Seltzer), dipyridamole (Persantine), vitamin E, NSAIDs, for example, ibuprofen, motrin, Advil, Aleve, garlic ingredients, once Ginkgo biloba. There are also medical conditions that may increase the risk of developing hematomas. People with the following conditions are at greater risk for hematomas; chronic (long-term) liver disease, alcohol use, bleeding diseases (such as hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease), leukemia, or low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)". Pain, swelling, redness, and itching are common symptoms of hematoma. Other symptoms associated with a hematoma are: “Symptoms of Subdural hematoma; headache, neurologic problems (one-sided weakness, difficulty speaking, falls), confusion, tremors. Symptoms of epidural hematoma; back pain, weakness, loss of appetite or bladder control. Symptoms of Subungual hematoma; nail pain, nail weakness, nail loss, nail damage. Symptoms of splenic, hepatic, or peritoneal hematoma; abdominal pain, flank pain. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all associated with a very large hematoma. For example, if bleeding occurs inside the abdominal cavity, it can expand to a much larger size before it causes any symptoms. This is possible because the hematoma can spread to a comfortable area without compressing any organs to cause pain or other symptoms. On the other hand, a small hematoma under the nail can show great pain because the blood grows into a very thick area under the nail bed and causes inflammation and irritation of the nail near the skin, leading to pain and swelling. Depending on the location of the hematoma, a lump or lump can sometimes be felt". However, depending on the situation, tests that include total blood count (CBC), blood pressure, chemistry and metabolic panel, and liver tests may be helpful in diagnosing a person with a hematoma and diagnosing any underlying conditions and checking that these are responsible for the formation of hematoma. Imaging studies are often needed to diagnose hematomas within the body. Computerized tomography (CT) of the head can accurately diagnose subdural hematoma. Abdominal CT is a good test for suspected hematoma of the abdominal cavity (intra-abdominal, hepatic, splenic, retroperitoneal, peritoneal). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more reliable in diagnosing epidural hematomas than CT scans".
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