Splenic Haematoma
Splenic haematoma means a bruise around the spleen. The spleen is contained in a capsule, and trauma can cause bleeding beneath the capsule, without its actual rupture. There is the pain of the original trauma - usually to the lower ribs on the left - and the spleen may be enlarged and tender. The danger here is of delayed rupture about 10 days after the original incident. Careful monitoring (and rest) to ensure resolution is required, and it might be unwise to give any painkillers which interfere with the clotting of blood.
|