Hematoma

An abnormal localized collection of blood in which the blood is usually clotted or partially clotted and is usually situated within an organ or a soft tissue space, such as within a muscle.</P> A hematoma is caused by a break in the wall of a blood vessel.

The break may be spontaneous, as in the case of an aneurysm, or caused by trauma.</P> The treatment of a hematoma depends on its location and size.

Treatment can involve draining the accumulated blood.

A hematoma in or near the brain is particularly dangerous.</P> The word 'hematoma' came into usage around 1850. It was devised from Greek roots -- hemat-, referring to the blood + -oma, from soma meaning body = a bloody body, or a collection of blood.

The many different kinds of hematomas are defined by location and include:</P> > >epidural hematoma, >extradural hematoma, >intracerebral hematoma, >intracranial hematoma, >nasal septum hematoma, >subcutaneous hematoma, >subdural hematoma.

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