Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is a serious condition that can arise from various injuries or underlying health issues. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and appropriate treatment is crucial for prompt medical attention and recovery.

Symptoms of Internal Bleeding

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of internal bleeding is essential, as it can help in diagnosing the underlying cause and severity of the issue.

General Symptoms

Dizziness Severe weakness Passing out Low blood pressure Acute visual problems Numbness Weakness on one side of the body Severe headache Severe abdominal pain Shortness of breath Chest pain Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Bloody or dark vomit or stool Bruising around the navel or on the sides of the abdomen Other areas of bleeding such as ears, nose, mouth, or anus Shock symptoms (rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, sweaty skin, lethargy)

Causes of Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding can result from several factors, and identifying the cause is often complex. Here are some common causes and associated risks:

General Causes

Damage to a blood vessel Clotting factors – insufficient clotting factor production can lead to bleeding disorders Certain medications – such as blood thinners and over-the-counter medications like aspirin Chronic high blood pressure – weakens blood vessel walls and can form aneurysms Inherited bleeding disorders – such as hemophilia Gastrointestinal (GI) causes – conditions like colon polyps, colitis, Crohn's disease, gastritis, esophagitis, and peptic ulcers Endometriosis – uterine tissue growing outside the uterus can cause bleeding Lifestyle factors – alcohol, smoking, and illicit drugs can irritate the stomach lining

More Serious Causes

Trauma – car accidents, falls, and heavy object impacts Aneurysms – bulging weak blood vessel walls that can rupture Broken bones – especially the femur, which can cause significant internal bleeding Ectopic pregnancy – pregnancy outside the uterus can cause internal bleeding Surgery – ongoing bleeding post-surgery if not properly managed

Diagnosing Internal Bleeding

Diagnosing internal bleeding typically requires a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history review, and diagnostic imaging scans:

Diagnostic Testing

X-rays – to check for bone damage CT scans – advanced X-ray that can visualize bones, tissues, and blood vessels Angiography – imaging test to examine individual blood vessels Laboratory tests – to check blood clotting factors and overall health

Treatment Options

Treatment goals for internal bleeding include identifying the source of the bleeding and stopping it. Here are the common treatment methods:

Treatment Methods

Rest and symptomatic treatment – for mild cases Surgery – for severe cases to stop bleeding and clean pooled blood Medications – such as blood transfusions, antibiotics, and medications to address underlying causes

Complications and Outlook

Untreated internal bleeding can lead to severe complications, including organ failure, shock, coma, and death. Early identification and treatment are critical to prevent long-term damage and ensure a positive outlook:

Potential long-term effects – such as brain damage from bleeding in the brain, requiring physical, occupational, and speech therapy Full recovery – with appropriate and timely treatment, many people can recover fully with additional management to prevent future bleeds

Reference: Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi MD MPH on April 18, 2019 — Written by Kimberly Holland