What is Internal Bleeding?
Internal bleeding, or internal hemorrhage, is one of the most life-threatening complications of motor vehicle collisions. The body relies on blood to carry oxygen and nutrients to the various organs and tissues. While most people are familiar with the importance of stopping external bleeding from scrapes, cuts, and lacerations, internal hemorrhage is just as deadly. In internal bleeding, the body’s blood vessels are damaged, and blood is leaking into the internal body cavities.
Where Can an Internal Hemorrhage Occur?
Some of the locations that bleeding could occur include:
- Brain: A brain bleed, which could lead to increased intracranial pressure and herniation.
- Abdomen: The abdomen can hold enough blood from internal bleeding to cause death.
- Chest: The chest could lead to a collapsed lung.
Sometimes, people could suffer from bleeding internally and not realize it. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to know about the signs and symptoms of internal hemorrhage.
What are the Common Causes of Internal Bleeding?
Individuals can develop internal bleeding from a variety of traumatic accidents. These include:
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle crashes
What are the Warning Signs of Internal Hemorrhage?
Typically, internal bleeding occurs following blunt trauma to the abdomen or chest. Internal blood vessels are torn, or internal organs start to hemorrhage. This leads to blood leaking from these vessels and organs into the stomach or chest. Some of the symptoms of internal hemorrhage include:
- Rapidly enlarging bruises on the chest and abdomen
- Severe pain in the chest or abdomen
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Increased thirst
- A rising heart rate
Anyone who develops these signs or symptoms should realize that this is a medical emergency.
How is Internal Bleeding Treated?
If someone has multiple symptoms of an internal bleed after an auto accident, the first step is to figure out where the hemorrhage is located. This could involve a new ultrasound scan or a CT scan. Once the bleed is established, the individual will be rushed to the operating room.
A trained and experienced surgeon will open up the patient, locate the bleed, and close it. During this process, individuals may require blood transfusions to keep their body’s tissues perfused. After this, the surgeon will close the incision. The individual will be observed strictly in the hospital to ensure that the bleed does not return.
Watch YouTube Video: Internal Bleeding: Medical Definition and Pronunciation by Medical Dictionary. The video below provides an overview of internal hemorrhage and explains how it occurs.
Assistance from a California Injury Lawyer
An internal bleed is life-threatening. Having a loved one undergo emergent surgery is a stressful process. After seeking medical care, take a few minutes to speak to a personal injury lawyer in Stockton. Some of the resources that an injury lawyer could share include:
- Negotiations with financial institutions to make sure that benefits are paid on time.
- Serving as an objective presence that can help a family make decisions that assist in their recovery.
- Taking a case to trial if needed.
Every family should know that help is available during a difficult situation. Meet with a Stockton personal injury attorney today. Your family could be owed a financial award.
Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. Internal hemorrhage is a medical emergency that could require surgery to repair. If you or someone you know has needed emergency surgery for internal bleeding after a motor vehicle accident, please contact us today at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive free, friendly case advice.
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