Although most nosebleeds have innocent causes and don't indicate anything serious, there are exceptions. If your nose is bleeding as a result of trauma, it could be time to contact a healthcare provider.
Are Bloody Noses a Sign of Concussion?
The most common symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred Vision
- Ringing in the Ears
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Memory Loss (concerning the event in which the head injury occurred)
These symptoms may appear immediately after the event or they could appear after a few days.
As for nosebleeds, they can occur with a concussion, but it's not a normal symptom and it usually points to a more serious problem.
A nosebleed could indicate a serious head injury or brain injury, including a fractured skull. If you think that you or a loved one may be concussed, and you suffer from a nosebleed, you should seek immediate emergency care.
Trauma and Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds can be triggered by trauma, and while it doesn't always indicate something serious, they could warrant a trip to the emergency department of your local hospital.
If you bang your nose on a door or wall, or you're jabbed in the face while boxing, it's normal for your nose to bleed.
As noted many times on this blog, your nose is filled with tiny blood vessels that sit close to the surface. If there is a lot of irritation, pressure, or force, they will burst and the nose will bleed. The more frequently you experience these nosebleeds, the more common they will become.
However, a nosebleed isn't always indicative of direct damage to the nose.
If you suffer from a blow to the head that doesn't immediately break or bust your nose, and you later have a nosebleed, it could indicate a serious head injury or brain injury, one that requires immediate care.
With major head injuries, the bleeding may be extensive and it will usually be accompanied by other signs and symptoms, including nausea, severe headaches, and unsteadiness. Such a head injury can occur in a car accident, from a fall, or even in the boxing ring.
It's important to get checked out if you notice any of these symptoms. Drop by the emergency department, let them know how you suffered the head injury, and tell them about any symptoms you have experienced, including loss of consciousness, vomiting, and dizziness.
They will scan the area for swelling and bumps, conduct a few quick checks, and then perform some tests to look for brain damage and other serious problems.
It's always better to be safe than sorry, and that applies to adults as well as children. If your young son or daughter displays any signs of concussion, whether from sports injuries or a fall, take them to the emergency room. Their bodies and brains are still developing and leaving head trauma unchecked could lead to issues further down the line, including limited brain function and personality changes.
