Should I worry about a mild head bump while on Warfarin?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am on warfarin for life. Yesterday, while I was working at home, I knocked the upper back part of my head on the marble roof of the windowpane. It was neither a hard blow nor a soft one. It was medium. I did not feel any pain. I did not have any blackout but was stunned for two to three seconds.
Today, my INR came as 3.73. I do not have any headaches.
My question is, will I have a stroke?
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
- Firstly, I would like to know the indication for which you were prescribed Warfarin.
- Secondly, 3.73 is a higher INR (international normalized ratio) than normally desired, which usually is between 2 and 2.5 or 2.5 and 3 according to indications, in most cases.
- Now, considering the injury, two places where the chances of bleeding are higher in your case are, under the skin or inside the skull (in or around the brain).
- As you have not mentioned any swelling under the skin of the head, at the site of injury, there is no bleeding under the skin, which is also called subgaleal hemorrhage.
- You do not have headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, visual blurring or any other symptom to suggest intracranial bleeding in or around the brain.
- So, I think you should not worry at present about a stroke or bleeding. But, in case if you develop any of these symptoms, get yourself scanned.
- Considering the warfarin dose, it needs to be adjusted. So, consult your treating doctor regarding that.
For more information consult a general surgeon online.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your answer.
I was prescribed Warfarin for having a protein deficiency and for having had pulmonary embolism and DVT. My optimal range is from 2 to 3. I do not have any swelling or lacerations on the head as such.
Please help.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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