Internal Bleeding: Symptoms

What other symptoms might occur with internal bleeding?

Symptoms accompanying internal bleeding vary based on the location and speed of blood loss. Pain may or may not be present. Rapid bleeding can quickly cause weakness, dizziness, shock and unconsciousness. Slower bleeding may ultimately cause anemia, with the gradual onset of tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, and pallor. Bleeding into the gastrointestinal or urinary tract can cause blood in the stool, vomit or urine.

Common symptoms that may occur with internal bleeding in the head

Internal bleeding in the head may accompany other symptoms including:

• Change in mental status
• Confusion
• Garbled or slurred speech or inability to speak
• Headache
• Loss of vision or changes in vision
• Numbness or tingling
• Paralysis
• Weakness (loss of strength)

Common symptoms that may occur along with internal bleeding in the chest or abdomen

Internal bleeding in the chest or abdomen may accompany other symptoms including:

• Abdominal, pelvic, or lower back pain that can be severe
• Abdominal swelling, distension or bloating
• Bruising around the navel or of the flanks
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Enlarged liver or spleen
• Shortness of breath

Common symptoms that may occur along with bleeding into the muscles or joints

Internal bleeding into the muscles or joints may accompany other symptoms including:

• Bone or joint deformity
• Loss of sensation
• Pain
• Reduced mobility (range of motion)
• Swelling, redness or warmth

Other symptoms that may occur along with internal bleeding

Internal bleeding at other sites may accompany other symptoms including:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Bloody or pink-colored urine (hematuria)
• Bloody stool (blood may be red, black, or tarry in texture)
• Hematoma (collection of blood in body tissues)
• Pain
• Vomiting blood or black material (resembling coffee grounds)

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, internal bleeding may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

• Bleeding while pregnant
• Bluish coloration of the lips or fingernails
• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
• Change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions
• Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, palpitations
• Garbled or slurred speech or inability to speak
• Not producing any urine, or an infant who does not produce the usual amount of wet diapers
• Paralysis or inability to move a body part
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing
• Severe pain
• Vomiting blood, rectal bleeding, or bloody stool