The spleen is a small organ within the abdomen that helps the body fight off infectious pathogens. If the spleen is damaged following a traumatic injury or an extensive infection, it can burst or rupture. Without prompt medical treatment, a burst spleen is a life-threatening condition. People who experience symptoms of a burst spleen should seek immediate medical care.
Abdominal Pain
An injury to the spleen can result in mild to severe abdominal pain. When this organ ruptures, the surrounding organs and tissues can become inflamed. Consequently, people with a burst spleen may notice that their abdominal region is tender to the touch. Sensations of sharp abdominal pain typically localize to the upper left-hand side of the abdomen, which corresponds to the normal position of the spleen in the human body, explains the Merck Manual. Abdominal pain symptoms associated with a ruptured spleen can arise immediately after rupture or may take several weeks to develop.
Left Shoulder Pain
One of the characteristic features of a burst spleen is pain in the left shoulder, explain health experts with the BBC. A burst spleen leaks blood into the abdominal cavity. This excess blood irritates the diaphragm--the muscle that separates the heart and lungs from the intestinal tract in the human body. When this occurs, people with a burst spleen can experience pain that radiates into the left shoulder.
Blurred Vision
A burst spleen can cause vision alterations, warns FamilyDoctor.org. People with this condition may notice that their vision field appears unusually blurry or cloudy. These symptoms of a burst spleen can make it difficult for affected people to move about or drive normally.
Dizziness or Loss of Consciousness
Internal blood loss following spleen rupture can cause a dramatic drop in an affected person's blood pressure. This decrease in blood pressure can cause sensations of dizziness or lightheadness in people with a burst spleen, reports the BBC. Episodes of dizziness can cause people to appear unstable while standing or walking. Affected people may also appear unusually confused or disoriented due to excessive blood loss caused by a ruptures spleen. In certain instances, a burst spleen can cause a person to lose consciousness. A person who faints should be taken to an emergency room immediately to ensure receipt of appropriate care.
