Internal Bleeding: Symptoms & Signs

Medically Reviewed on 12/7/2020

Internal bleeding refers to bleeding inside the body (not through the skin with an open injury). Internal bleeding can happen almost anywhere within the body.

The signs and symptoms of internal bleeding depend on the extent or severity of blood loss as well as the location of the bleeding. Symptoms and signs of internal bleeding can include

In severe cases, internal bleeding can lead to life-threatening shock with low blood pressure and multiple organ failure.

Causes of internal bleeding

Trauma often causes internal bleeding, but it can also be caused by stroke (in the brain) or rupture of a diseased organ or organ damage.

Other internal bleeding symptoms and signs

References
Jameson, J. Larry, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.