Can hematomas be prevented?

Accidents happen and most hematomas are inevitable once the trauma has occurred.

For patients taking anti-coagulation medications, it is wise to avoid participating in events with high risk of injury. For patients taking warfarin (Coumadin), it is important to make certain that the dosing is appropriate and the blood is not thinned excessively.

Hematoma At A Glance
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel.

Symptoms of hematomas depend upon their location and whether adjacent structures are affected by the inflammation and swelling associated with the bleeding.

Treatment of a hematoma depends upon which organ or body tissue is affected.

Superficial hematomas of the skin and soft tissue, such as muscle, may be treated with rest, ice compression, and elevation. Heat may also be considered.