Home Articles Alternative Medicine and Health

The nose consists of two nasal cavities that are divided by a median septum. The nasal cavities are connected to the pharynx and each nasal cavity is connected to the middle ear through the Eustachian tubes. The connection between the nose and the ear via the Eustachian tubes allows for the equalization of air pressure between the external atmosphere and the middle ear cavity. Both these organs have their blood supply originating from the carotid arteries.

Bleeding from the nose and the ears is a sign that there is something seriously amiss and a doctor should be consulted immediately. Bleeding from any orifice may be indicative of internal bleeding and in the case of simultaneous bleeding from the ears and the nose it may be indicative of a moderate to severe head injury.

One of the leading causes of death and disability amongst adults, severe head injuries may be caused by a concussion, a deep cut or wound, a fracture of the skull or due to internal bleeding caused by damage to the brain. Head injuries are also referred to as brain injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI). The incidence of head injuries is on the rise and five million or more Americans today, having survived, need help with their daily activities.

Bleeding from the ears and nose caused by a head injury may also be accompanied by other symptoms including:

• Loss of consciousness
• A severe, persistent headache
• Nausea
• Memory loss
• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech
• Unnatural sweating
• Drooping facial muscles
• Difficulty walking and keeping balance
• Weakness observed only on one side of the body
• Pale skin that is clammy to the touch
• Seizures
• Changes in behavioral patterns
• An abnormally enlarged pupil
• A wound on the head
• Partial or total paralysis

However, since these symptoms may also be caused by other problems, your doctor will need to run a series of tests and perform a complete evaluation to confirm a diagnosis of head injury as the cause of the bleeding. Some of the tests that may be performed include:

• X-rays may help to detect any fractures in the skull.
• Computerized tomography (CT scan) produces cross sectional images and will give a detailed picture of the head and any injuries within.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will give a detailed picture of the brain and surrounding areas and may reveal the site of the bleeding.
• Electroencephalograph (EEG) will record the electrical activity of the brain and can help to identify any abnormalities in brain functioning.

The treatment for ear and nosebleeds caused by a head injury will depend on the extent and type of the head injury and the age, health and medical history of the patient. Treatment options may include:

• Application of ice packs to the affected areas
• Complete bed rest
• Antibiotic ointments may be applied to the wound and covered with a bandage
• Stitches may be required
• Hospitalization for the purpose of observation may be required
• Sedation may be required
• Breathing assistance may be provided
• Surgery may be required to relieve swelling and an increase in intracranial pressure
• If permanent damage results, rehabilitation may be required to help the patient cope with the task of day to day living
• Rehabilitation may consist of physical, occupational and speech therapy

While bleeding from the ears and nose may be due to more benign reasons, the possibility of it being caused by a moderate to severe head injury makes it imperative that a doctor be consulted immediately.

References:

• http://www.emedicinehealth.com/internal_bleeding/page3_em.htm#internal_bleeding_symptoms
• http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/nervous_system/injury/Pages/index.aspx

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.