A bruised spleen (or spleen contusion) is bruising to the spleen which occurs after a direct impact to the upper left abdomen. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a spleen injury.
Symptoms for bruised spleen
- Immediate pain on the left side of the body
- Nausea
- Referred pain to the left shoulder or arm
- Abdominal Tenderness
Causes
A bruised spleen, or spleen contusion, can occur due to various causes involving blunt force trauma to the upper left abdomen. Common causes include sports injuries from contact sports like football, hockey, and rugby, where players may experience direct hits or collisions.
Accidental falls, especially in older adults or individuals with weakened bones, can also lead to spleen injuries. These activities or incidents can result in significant impact to the spleen, leading to bruising and potential complications.
Treatment
A doctor will carry out an examination and may require further investigations such as ultrasound or CT scans to determine the extent of the injury and if there is any internal bleeding (see ruptured spleen). Most spleen contusions will heal successfully on their own, provided there are no other complications.
You should rest and be observed in the hospital for close monitoring. Doctors often advise a hospital stay because initial tests might not detect bleeding from the spleen. Therefore, they typically perform further tests after a day or two to confirm that it is just a contusion.
