In this Article

• What is internal bleeding?
• What causes internal bleeding?
• What are the signs and symptoms of internal bleeding?
• How is internal bleeding diagnosed?
• How is internal bleeding treated?
• What are the complications of internal bleeding?
• Internal Bleeding At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Internal Bleeding: Cause of Bleeding
• Internal Bleeding Glossary
• Internal Bleeding Index

How is internal bleeding treated?

The initial treatment plan of any patient with internal bleeding begins with assessing the patient's stability and making certain the ABCs are well maintained. This includes making certain the patient's:

• Airway is open,
  
  
• that the patient is Breathing, and
  
  
• that there is adequate Circulation, meaning good pulse and blood pressure.

The definitive treatment of internal bleeding depends upon where the bleeding is occuring, the individual situation, and the stability of the patient. The basic goals include identifying and stopping the source of bleeding and repairing any damage that the bleeding may have caused.

What are the complications of internal bleeding?

Depending upon where it occurs, if not recognized, internal bleeding may cause organ failure, shock, and death. For example:

• If there is uncontrolled bleeding in the chest or abdomen, the body may lose enough circulating red blood cells to compromise oxygen delivery to cells in the body. This situation is called shock. If the bleeding is not stopped and if fluid resuscitation and perhaps blood transfusion are not provided, the patient may die.
  
  
• Internal bleeding in the brain may cause minimal damage, but if there is enough to cause increased pressure or if the bleeding increases, enough brain tissue may be damaged to cause stroke-like symptoms, coma, and death.

Internal Bleeding At A Glance

• Internal bleeding may occur in many areas of the body and may cause significant local pain. If enough bleeding occurs, signs of shock may be apparent.
  
  
• Bleeding is a recognized complication of anti-coagulation medications such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Warfarin), and heparin. The benefits of these medications need to be balanced against the risk of bleeding.
  
  
• Bleeding is never normal in pregnancy.
  
  
• If internal bleeding is suspected, it is important to seek medical care.

Internal Bleeding: Cause of Bleeding

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