Q: My three year old son bumped his head on the coffee table when he was jumping on the sofa. last night. I did not dose him with factor, but did put ice on it for awhile. Now this morning both of his eyes are swollen and his forehead is huge! It did not seem that bad last night. Do I always have to treat?
A: “Head bleeds” are always considered a serious bleeding episode. Treating with a dose of factor is recommended. Discuss these details with your doctor or treatment center nurse and how they want you to proceed.
Any trauma to the head is considered serious and requires medical attention. If left untreated, these episodes can lead to serious complications. If your child has a serious bleed, call your child’s doctor or the Hemophilia Treatment center immediately.
Signs and Symptoms are:
• Receiving a serious blow to the head
• If he looks confused or lacks alertness
• He seems drowsy or sluggish
• He complains of a headache
• He experiences nausea or vomiting
• He has loss of balance, seems dizzy, clumsy or stumbles
• His pupils are dilated or are unequal, or he dislikes bright light
• He looses consciousness
• He has seizures
Note: These symptoms can be delayed up to several days after the initial trauma.
If any of these symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention immediately or go directly to an emergency department. Don’t forget to take a dose of factor with you to the emergency room.
Other bleeds that are considered serious because of the possible complications are: eye bleeds,Throat and neck bleeds, stomach or intestinal bleeds and kidney or bladder bleeds. You should always seek medical attention for these.
The information contained on the National Cornerstone Health Care Services’ (NCHS) web site is provided for your general information only. Information found is not intended to be a substitute for profession medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NCHS does not give medical advice or engage in the practice of medicine. NCHS under no circumstances recommends particular treatment for specific individuals. NCHS recommends that you contact your physician, local treatment center or other qualified health provider before pursuing any course of treatment.
