What is a common sign of a hematoma?

A common sign of a hematoma is bruising and swelling. A hematoma occurs when blood collects outside of blood vessels, often due to trauma or injury. This accumulation of blood creates pressure in the surrounding tissues, leading to localized swelling. The blood that seeps into the tissues can cause discoloration, commonly recognized as bruising. This visual change in color is due to the breakdown of hemoglobin in the trapped blood, which typically changes from red to purple, blue, or even yellow as it heals.

Bruising and swelling are direct manifestations of the underlying issue of blood pooling, making it a reliable indicator of the presence of a hematoma.