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Warning-sign checks

Glanzmann thrombasthenia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    A head injury needs emergency assessment because bleeding inside the skull may not be visible.

    Call emergency services for a severe headache after injury, repeated vomiting, confusion, unusual sleepiness, weakness, a seizure, or loss of consciousness.

    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
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the haematology team promptly before surgery, dental extraction, pregnancy, or childbirth.

    Planning is safer than waiting for bleeding to begin.

    Seek urgent medical help for:

    • Bleeding that is heavy or does not stop with the measures in your plan
    • Vomiting blood, coughing up blood, or passing black or bloody stools
    • Blood in the urine
    • Severe or rapidly increasing menstrual bleeding
    • Dizziness, fainting, marked weakness, or difficulty breathing after blood loss
    • Significant injury, even if visible bleeding seems limited
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if nosebleeds, gum bleeding, bruising, or menstrual bleeding is becoming more frequent.

    Tiredness, reduced exercise tolerance, headaches, or pale skin may suggest iron deficiency and should also be assessed.

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