How do doctors identify and treat internal bleeding?

After a car accident, you worry you may have injuries you cannot see. Learning the signs of internal bleeding could help you build a legal case and understand what treatment you need.

WebMD explores internal bleeding symptoms and treatment options. If you suspect you have internal injuries, seek immediate medical attention rather than take unnecessary risks with your health, legal rights and personal injury claim.

The symptoms

No matter the severity of the collision, you could have internal bleeding. One common sign of the injury is abdominal inflammation or pain, which may indicate liver damage. You could also faint, feel light-headed or experience dizziness if you have internal bleeding.

Monitor yourself for signs of purpling skin or bruising; you may have a soft tissue or skin bleed. Symptoms of internal injuries connected to thighbone fractures are tightness, inflammation and leg pain. If you experience blacking out, headaches or seizures, you could have bleeding in your brain.

The treatment

Car accident victims with internal bleeding may require blood transfusions or IV fluids to address or prevent low blood pressure. Patients who experience severe or persistent internal bleeding could require surgery. Examples of internal injury procedures include thoracotomy, exploratory laparotomy, fasciotomy and craniotomy.

To determine which surgery to perform, medical professionals use ultrasounds and computed tomography scans to determine for sure whether the patient has an internal injury. They also consider the person’s blood pressure and injury severity to decide the most favorable course of action.

You deserve to know all the injuries you sustained in a motor vehicle accident, both major and minor. With all the facts, you know which steps to take and decisions to make.