Congenital fibrinogen deficiency: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for:

   • A significant head injury or sudden severe headache
   • Confusion, weakness, fainting, seizure, or difficulty speaking
   • Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing blood
   • Severe abdominal pain, swelling, dizziness, or collapse
   • Heavy, uncontrolled bleeding
   • Bleeding during pregnancy with significant pain, weakness, or faintness
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical assessment for bleeding that does not stop with your usual first-aid or treatment plan, a suspected deep muscle bleed, blood in vomit or stool, or new painful swelling in a leg.

   Do not wait for visible bruising after a serious injury.

   Internal bleeding may not be obvious at first.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange routine contact with your hematology or primary care team if you have:

   • More frequent bruising, nosebleeds, or gum bleeding
   • Heavier or longer menstrual bleeding
   • New tiredness or other possible signs of anemia
   • Repeated pain or swelling in a joint
   • An upcoming operation, dental procedure, or invasive test
   • Plans for pregnancy or a confirmed pregnancy
   • Questions about medicines, exercise, work, or travel
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Congenital fibrinogen deficiency. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.