Can a Concussion Cause a Nosebleed?
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a form of brain injury. It occurs when you get a bump, blow or jolt to your head. Your brain zips around inside your skull, and that can be trouble. At times the injury can be minor, and at other it may be grave. But even minor concussions require rest and care.
A person with a concussion might feel dizzy, confused, tired or have difficulty thinking clearly. Others get headaches, feel nauseated, or temporarily lose memory. Concussions are not necessarily visible. You can look good on the outside and still be concussed inside. That’s part of the reason to watch for changes in how a person feels or acts. Just a slight hit is also not to be underestimated. According to some people, there is an answer to the question . Can a concussion cause a nosebleed.
What Is a nosebleed?
A Nosebleed is when blood flows out from your nose. It can come from one side or both sides of your nose. Some nosebleeds are modest and resolve quickly. Some might take longer to cease. A nosebleed occurs when small blood vessels in the nose split.
They’re up near the surface and they tend to fracture pretty easily. A dry nose, hard sneezing or a small bump can make them bleed. But what if the bleeding occurs following a blow to the head? So, can a concussion cause nosebleed in that case? Sure, it can occur when the hit is strong enough to rattle the brain and break those vessels. Bleeding can occur sometimes even without touching the nose, but due to the head injury pressure.
How Can a Concussion Cause a Nosebleed?
Can a concussion cause a nosebleed? The answer is yes — but it doesn’t always take place. A concussion alone typically does not cause the nose to bleed. But if the blow to the head is intense, it can also impact the nose. That means the very same injury that results in the concussion may also damage the nose.
For instance, if a person falls and hits their face or their forehead, that impact may injure the blood vessels of the nose. In that scenario, the nosebleed and concussion occur concurrently, but one is not directly the result of the other. Both are derived from the same hit or fall. Shaking the head hard, and where the nose does not get hit directly, can lead tears and bleeding as well. And that’s why you look out for all symptoms after an accident. Even a little bloody nose may be a reason to look for a head injury.
When Should You Worry About a Nosebleed After a Head Injury?
Stay calm if you notice a nosebleed following a head injury. Not all nosebleeds are something to worry about. But you want to be on the lookout for other signs. If the person seems sleepy or disoriented or can’t stop vomiting, it may be a concussion or worse. Seek help right away.
And, if the nosebleeds are not stopping after 15 minutes, or if blood is coming from both the nose and the ears, go to a hospital. This could be a major injury to the head, such as a skull fracture or brain bleed. In these cases, don’t wait — seek medical assistance immediately. When it comes to the brain, better safe than sorry. Even if the person insists they’re feeling fine, be sure to follow up for changes later. The signs of a concussion sometimes don’t emerge for hours after the hit.
What Happens Inside the Head During a Concussion?
When a concussion occurs, the brain shakes in the skull. The brain floats in fluid, so, when a big movement happens, it collides with the skull walls. This makes the brain “rewire” for a period.
Bleeding does not happen every time this shaking takes place. But if the injury is severe, it can break small blood vessels in the brain or around the face. These broken vessels may cause bruising, swelling, or a nosebleed. So does a concussion cause a nosebleed? Sometimes yes — if blood vessels in the nose are compromised by the same impact. Even if the face or nose doesn’t take a direct blow, the concussive force can still rupture these vessels. After an accident, it can be easy to overlook the both the head injury, and bleeding.
Can Children Get a Nosebleed From a Concussion?
Yes, children can get a concussion and a nosebleed from a fall or blow. Children run about, play a great deal and sometimes fall down. Instead, if they fall face-first, they can injure not just their head but their nose too.
If your child has a nosebleed after banging their head, hold their head up, pinch the nose and keep an eye on signs like dizziness or sleepiness. These signs would indicate a concussion. If you’re unsure, consult a doctor. It’s better to be safe. Don’t forget, young children may not always explain their feelings, so keep a close eye on them. If a nosebleed subsides, you should still look out for any other changes in their behavior or health.
Is It Always a Concussion if the Nose Bleeds?
No, not every nosebleed following a knock on the head is a sign of a concussion. There might just be a nose broken sometimes. The face has a lot of little bones and blood vessels and they can break without the brain being hurt.
But you still need to be on the lookout for other symptoms. If the person’s sick, weak or can’t remember what happened, they might have a concussion. So remember that can a concussion cause a nosebleed is a good question but all nosebleeds don’t mean that there is a concussion. If the nosebleed halts fairly soon and there aren’t additional symptoms, it could simply be a minor injury. But if other concussion symptoms develop, it is wise to seek medical assistance.
What Happens Inside the Head During a Concussion?
During a concussion, the brain becomes shaken inside the skull. The brain is suspended in fluid, so with great movement, it crashes against the skull walls. This rewires the way the brain works — temporarily.
This shaking does not necessarily lead to bleeding. If the injury is harsh, though, it can rupture tiny blood vessels deep in the brain or at the face. The ruptured blood vessels may cause bruising, swelling, or a nosebleed. So, can a concussion lead a nosebleed? Sometimes yes — when blood vessels in the nose are also influenced by the same impact. The pressure from the concussion can still make your nose bleed even without direct trauma. So it’s important to pay attention to every sign, after a head injury.
Why Do Some Nosebleeds Look Very Scary After a Head Injury?
Blood can easily spill out when someone gets a serious punch on the face or head. That’s because there are lots of blood vessels in the nose. The blood can appear dark or be released in large quantities. This can scare people. But not every heavy nosebleed is dangerous.
Still, a bloody nose following a fall should be examined by a doctor. It’s good to know if the injury also resulted in a brain problem. And if blood is combined with clear fluid, it might indicate a more serious condition, like a skull fracture.
Can a Concussion Cause a Nosebleed Without a Hit to the Face?
How about a concussion — can that cause a nosebleed even without a shot to the face? It is rare, but possible. A sharp shake of the head can sometimes cause tiny blood vessels inside the nose to burst. This can lead to bleeding even if the face is not touched. It may occur more frequently in persons with delicate or injured noses. For example, with rhinoplasty bleeding can occur very easily if blowing your nose, even with very light pressure. But if someone has both a head injury and a nosebleed, it’s better to consult with a doctor just in case.
What Should You Do If Someone Has a Concussion and a Nosebleed?
- Stay calm. Assist the person in sitting up and leaning forward.
- Gently pinch the nose to control the bleeding.
- Don’t have them lie flat, because blood can go down the throat.
- Look for other signs: a headache, confusion, blurry vision or nausea.
- If the individual faints or behaves oddly, call for emergency assistance.
Can a Nosebleed Be the Only Sign of a Concussion?
A nosebleed alone is, typically, not the singular sign. A concussion has other options that might come also, such as memory loss, confusion, or dizziness. If someone just has a nosebleed and feels fine otherwise, they might not have a concussion.
But if they seem ill, if their behavior is strange, if they cannot be roused, then that may indicate a concussion.” Just to be sure, always watch the person for a few hours after a tumble.
Conclusion: Can a Concussion Cause a Nosebleed?
So, Can a concussion cause a nosebleed? Yes, it can—but not always. The knock to the head can injure the brain and the nose simultaneously. The nosebleed usually happens because of the injury, not the concussion. But the two problems may occur simultaneously.
If you get a head injury and a nosebleed, or someone you know does, take it seriously. Reinforce with signs of a concussion. If the person is nauseated, disoriented or drowsy, seek medical attention. Prompt treatment can help avoid serious complications later on. It’s best to play it safe and consult a doctor.
