Pain and swelling are common symptoms of hematomas.
Hematomas can be life-threatening depending on how they were caused and what part of your body is affected.
It also discusses ways to prevent hematoma injuries.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Which Hematomas Are The Most Serious?
By the time symptoms are noticed, chronic subdural hematoma has often gotten very big.
However, they can also appear hours, days, or even weeks later.
Head injuries that happen in sports should always be treated right away because of the risk oftraumatic brain injury.
Any loss of consciousnesseven if it does not last longneeds follow-up with a healthcare provider.
This can occur with acquired hemophilia as well.Age also contributes to risk of an intracranial hematoma with head trauma.
There are medications, supplements, and treatments that also can increase the risk for a hematoma.
Head hematomas usually are diagnosed withcomputed tomography (CT) scanormagnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
These scans help providers see the source of the bleeding and the severity of the injury.
Treatment
Treating a simple, mild, hematoma is similar to treating other soft tissue injuries.
Using theR.I.C.E method(rest, ice, compression, elevation) is recommended.
Apply ice to the area for 15 minutes, several times per day.
Treatment can vary from first aid to major surgery.
This can include drilling a small hole in the skull or performing a craniotomy to make a larger opening.
Prognosis
Mild hematomas and contusions will usually heal in about five days.
A large hematoma may last weeks to months and as it heals it will change color and slowly shrink.
Some kinds of brain injuries leave lasting changes that people have to learn to live with.
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