Bruises

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• QWhat is a brain bruise (contusion?)

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  A Barbara Ficarra, RN , Nursing, answered

  A brain bruise or contusion results from bleeding and swelling inside the brain where an injury occurred. It is a type of traumatic brain injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “a TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.” It can result when the head violently and suddenly hits an object. However, not all bumps, blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI.
  
  The CDC declares traumatic brain injury (TBI) a public health problem in the United States. In 2010, about 2.5 million emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations or deaths were associated with TBI—either alone or in combination with other injuries—in the United States.
• QWhat are bruises (contusions)?

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  A Dr. Ellen E. Marmur, MD , Dermatology, answered

  A bruise is blood that has extravasated (or migrated) outside the blood vessel because of trauma. Tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin can burst from a bump, a scrape, or injection - any kind of physical distress. Bruises change color like a mood ring as they mature (from black and blue to green to yellow) and last about one week on the face and two weeks on the body.

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• QWhat are complications of bruising?

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  A RealAge answered

  Usually a bruise is a harmless reminder of a minor incident, the result of broken blood vessels that heal on their own in a few days. However, there are some possible complications that may require medical help: hematoma, compartment syndrome, and myositis ossificans.
  
  Hematoma is the lump often associated with a bruise, and is a buildup of blood from the injury. It is usually a short-lived problem, but if the pressure caused increases or becomes very painful, it may need to be drained by a medical professional.
  
  Compartment syndrome, very rare but painful, can be the result of severe injury. In this case, pressure in the muscle from the injury builds up to dangerous levels, preventing proper blood flow and causing permanent damage to the muscle.
  
  Myositis ossificans is not generally dangerous and is often the result of injury (like a muscle bruise) followed by a quick return to activity. This may cause bone tissue to grow where muscle tissue should to repair the injury. Proper injury care, like ice, rest, and gentle stretching, can prevent myositis ossificans; severe cases may require surgery to remove the bone tissue. 
• QWhat is the difference between a bruise and a contusion?

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  A National Athletic Trainers' Association answered

  There is no difference between a bruise and a contusion. Contusion is the medical term for bruise.
  
  (This answer provided for NATA by the Gustavus Adolphus College Athletic Training Education Program.)
• QWhat can cause my elbow to swell up quickly after I hit it?

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  A National Athletic Trainers' Association answered

  It may be that you have a contusion (bruise) because of the lack of padding and general vulnerability of the elbow. It is common for a contusion of the elbow to swell rapidly after irritation of the olecranon bursa or the synovial membrane. You should treat the swelling immediately with ice and compression for at least 24 hours. If swelling is severe, see a physician for further examination.
  
  (This answer provided for NATA by the Southern Utah University Athletic Training Education Program.)
• QWhat can I do to help a bruise heal faster?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  

  Applying ice or a cold pack after the injury can help to enhance bruise healing. Watch as Dr. Oz talks about first aid for bruises.
  
  
  

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• QWhat can a doctor do for a bruise?

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  A Dr. Ellen E. Marmur, MD , Dermatology, answered

  Usually, a bruise does not necessitate a visit to the doctor. But if it becomes very swollen or more painful than bruises you have had in the past, or if you can feel firmness under the skin, it should be checked. Sometimes bruising can cause a hematoma, which happens when a lot of blood seeps out from the vessel and then coagulates like jelly. This collection of blood can go so far as to organize itself into a hard clot the consistency of wood. Both of these are very dangerous and usually occur after there is been major trauma (such as a surgical procedure) to the area. Left unattended, this congealed blood can lead to a devastating bacterial infection. A clot can break into chunks, migrate to somewhere else in the body, and block a vessel, causing a heart attack or a stroke. To treat a hematoma, a doctor must open up the skin surgically and expel the congealed mass or the clot. It is a painful, but vital, outpatient procedure.

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• QCan fruit be used to treat bruises?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  

  Enzymes called bromelain and papain, found in pineapple and papaya can both be helpful for treating injuries such as bruises. Watch as Dr. Oz discusses their use.
  
  
  
  
• QWhich medications can cause easy bruising?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  

  Among the medications that can make you bruise more easily are blood-thinning medications like aspirin and Coumadin (warfarin). Watch Dr. Oz talk more about medications and bruising.
  
  
  
• QDo blood thinners make people bruise more easily?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  

  Medications that thin your blood like aspirin and or Coumadin (warfarin) can increase the risk of bruising. Watch as Dr. Oz talks about medications and bruising.