Haematomas

Haematomas are palpable collections of blood, usually in muscle and soft tissue. A common example is the periorbital haematoma or “black eye”. This is often caused by a direct blow, in which case there may be an associated abrasion or laceration. Other causes include the tracking of blood from bruise to the forehead or an orbital plate fracture from contre-coup damage after fall-related impact to the back of the scalp. The scalp should be checked carefully for such injuries and imaging requested as required.

Figure 6. Periorbital haematoma. Note the abrasion above the eyebrow.