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Belly injury (bleeding inside from a spleen, liver, or kidney injury)

Also called: Abdominal trauma, belly injury, ruptured spleen

Bleeding inside after a hit to the belly, causing belly pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, and a swollen belly.

WatchLeft shoulder pain after belly injury

Overview

Seat belt and handlebar injuries can bruise or tear organs.

Bleeding inside may not show for hours.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Belly pain after injury
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Swollen belly

Less common

  • Blood in urine

Look up a symptom: Racing or pounding heartbeat · Stomach pain

When to get medical care

Call 911Call 911 now for: belly pain after injury, dizziness or fainting, swollen belly.
Get care todayMilder symptoms that could be early signs.
See a doctor soonQuestions about lowering your risk.

Causes

Trauma.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Contact sports
  • Mono with enlarged spleen

Diagnosis

This is diagnosed in the emergency room or hospital.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • CT:

Treatment

Emergency care is needed. While waiting for help:

Self-care

  • Call 911

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Seat belts
  • Car seats

Which doctor treats this

  • Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
  • They may send you to a trauma surgeon.

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Children: Handlebar injuries are common.

For caregivers

  • Go to visits when you can and take notes.
  • Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
  • Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Most heal without surgery.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • What follow-up care do I need?
  • How can I prevent this from happening again?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Belly injury (bleeding inside from a spleen, liver, or kidney injury)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.