Information on Ruptured Spleens

The spleen is located just under your ribcage on your left side, it is a soft spongy organ, and it's there to stop infection from entering your blood. The spleen's primary function is to filter out old and damaged blood cells from your bloodstream. When a spleen is ruptured in an accident it can be life-threatening and is considered a serious medical emergency.

Not all car accidents result in ruptured spleens, but sometimes violent crashes that injure the left side of a person’s body can cause a spleen injury in Georgia. When someone’s upper abdomen or lower chest is impacted during a car crash, it can cause a ruptured spleen. This impact to the spleen can cause internal bleeding that can be life-threatening. Sometimes, spleens break open immediately after the trauma, and other times it takes days or weeks for the rupture to occur.

How can you tell if your spleen is injured?

Signs of spleen injuries include:

• Pain in the left abdomen and/or left shoulder
• Tenderness when touching left upper abdomen
• The abdomen may feel hard

Symptoms of internal bleeding include:

• Lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Blurred vision

The spleen’s location in the body puts it at risk for injury in an auto accident. When a serious blow to the left side occurs the stomach area or ribs can be injured, but a spleen may also have sustained injuries in the impact. If you have pain in your left abdomen and signs of internal bleeding, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately.

Risks of Spleen Injuries

When a spleen is damaged, its tissue covering can tear and release blood into the abdomen, causing fatal hemorrhaging in some cases. Damage can also occur when blood collects in the spleen; this can form a hematoma, which can rupture and be fatal.

Sometimes the spleen can be repaired with surgery, but in many cases it may need to be removed altogether. The treatment for splenic ruptures can vary, but hospital bills, surgery and medication expenses can be substantial.

If someone else was at fault for your Atlanta car crash, you should look into pursuing a Georgia personal injury lawsuit to cover your medical expenses.