Both involve blood escaping from vessels. But a hemorrhage is ongoing bleeding, while a hematoma is the result, where blood has accumulated and often clotted.
A hematoma and a hemorrhage are related but not identical.
In simple terms, a hemorrhage is active bleeding — blood escaping from a damaged vessel — while a hematoma is a collection or pooling of blood in tissues or spaces outside blood vessels, usually after bleeding has stopped or slowed — like a bruise.
| Feature | Hematoma | Hemorrhage |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Blood collection, often clotted, outside a vessel | Active bleeding from a damaged vessel |
| State of bleeding | Often urgent. You’ll need to stop the bleeding and treat the underlying cause | Ongoing, active blood loss |
| Visibility | May be visible (e.g., bruise) or deep inside | May be external or internal (not always visible) |
| Examples | Subungual hematoma, intracranial hematoma, ordinary bruise | Nosebleed, brain hemorrhage, postpartum hemorrhage |
| Treatment urgency | Varies. You may need to monitor or drain if pressing structures | Seek immediate medical attention |
| Risks & complications | Pressure on tissues, infection, organ damage | Shock, organ failure, death if severe |
A hematoma is localized bleeding that’s collected outside blood vessels, often forming a raised lump or area of discoloration.
The most common example of a hematoma is a bruise, but hematomas can also form deep inside the body.
Types of hematomas
Hematomas are usually categorized by their location (where they are). Common types of hematomas include:
- Aural hematoma, affecting the ears (and possibly leading to “cauliflower ears”)
- Epidural hematoma, which occurs between the skull plate and the lining of your brain
- Hepatic hematoma, which occurs in the liver
- Perianal hematoma, affecting the perineum and anal area
- Retroperitoneal hematoma, which occurs in the abdominal cavity (but not within any organs)
- Scalp hematoma, which causes a bump on the head
- Septal hematoma, which is usually the result of a nasal injury
- Splenic hematoma, occurring in the spleen
- Subcutaneous hematoma, an ordinary bruise that appears just under the skin.
- Subungual hematoma, appearing under the toenail or fingernail
- Subdural hematoma, occurring between the skull and the surface of the brain
- Vaginal hematoma, affecting the vulva or vagina
Hematomas can be caused by trauma — like a fall or sudden impact — or medical procedures. If you have a bleeding disorder or use blood-thinning medications, you may be more likely to develop a hematoma.
Signs and symptoms of hematomas
While simple bruises are often easy to identify, hematomas relating to internal injuries may be harder to diagnose. After a head injury, watch out for:
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Uneven pupils
Deeper hematomas may need imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Potential complications
When left untreated, deeper hematomas can cause serious complications. Possible complications of hematomas include:
- Significant pain
- Compression of nearby structures (e.g., brain pressure, nerve compression)
- Infections (if the blood becomes contaminated)
- In rare cases, significant bleeding may lead to shock
Treatment for hematomas
Bruises and minor hematomas usually resolve on their own. The RICE method — rest, ice, compression, and elevation — can help you reduce pain and recover.
However, larger or dangerous hematomas may require surgical drainage or monitoring by a healthcare professional.
A hemorrhage is blood loss due to a damaged vessel. In other words, it’s active bleeding.
Types of hemorrhages
An external hemorrhage is bleeding that happens outside the body. Examples include cuts and nosebleeds. An internal hemorrhage — bleeding inside the body — can include:
- Intracranial (brain)
- Hemothorax
- Postpartum
- Gastrointestinal
The seriousness of a hemorrhage depends on the type, volume of blood loss, and location of the hemorrhage.
Common causes of hemorrhages
Many traumas and procedures can damage blood vessels, which can cause hemorrhages. Examples include:
You may be more prone to hemorrhages if you have a clotting disorder or if you use anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
Potential complications
Hemorrhages can lead to other medical concerns, especially if blood loss is extensive. These complications include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Hypovolemic shock
- Organ damage (depending on the location of the bleed)
- Death
The medical term for bleeding to death is exsanguination. The average adult would have to lose several liters of blood in order to bleed to death.
Treatment for hemorrhages
Hemorrhages often require immediate medical attention. While small cuts and bleeds often stop and form scabs on their own, internal bleeds and severe external bleeds can be dangerous. Treatment
- Stopping the bleeding (for example, through compression or surgery)
- Replacing lost blood
- Addressing the underlying cause
If you experience bleeding that doesn’t stop, it’s important to seek immediate medical help.
Seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following due to suspected hematoma or hemorrhage:
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Signs of shock, like paleness, sweating, and rapid breathing
- Signs of active internal bleeding, like lightheadedness, fast heartbeat, fainting spells, confusion, or vomiting blood
- Head trauma with symptoms of intracranial hematoma — worsening headache, vomiting, seizures, drowsiness, confusion, unequal pupils
- A severely painful or swollen lump
For milder bruises or small hematomas, you can start with the RICE principles (rest, ice, compression, elevation) to ease discomfort. But if symptoms worsen or you’re unsure, it’s better to get checked.
A hemorrhage is active bleeding, while a hematoma is the result of that bleeding collecting in tissues. Both share the same origin — blood escaping a vessel — but differ in timing, form, and urgency.
While some hematomas heal on their own, others (especially near vital organs like the brain) may require medical intervention. Depending on severity and location, hemorrhages typically require urgent care.
If you ever doubt whether what you’re experiencing is serious, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional.