anticoagulation and bump on head. - Atrial Fibrillati...

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anticoagulation and bump on head.

meadfoot profile image
50 Replies

I have just bumped my head on the greenhouse and saw stars briefly but not cut my head nor lost consciousness. I had a sun hat on which took some of the whack but it still hurts somewhat. No cut or swelling.

My question is being on rivaroxaban does whacking the head automatically require medical intervention like a CT scan to check for brain bleed or clot. Guess I could ring 111 but wondered if those of us on anticoagulation managed without concern or had it looked at medically if they have had the same injury. Being older cant help my cause annoyingly. Thanks.

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BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

I think it is really down to you Dee but if it were me unless I had any pain, nausea or dizziness I think A and E the last place to go . If you have somebody with you to keep an eye on you in case you start talking gibberish I think a watching brief . That said, only you know how hard that bump was.

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to BobD

Thanks Bob, your feedback makes good sense. I am inclined to sit it out. Wouldnt have considered going to a and e had there not been the anticoagulation aspect lurking about. Given my last experience in my local a and e back in January, sent by ambulance, enforced by 111, only to sit in a and e for ten hours then told to just contact my London hospital where my heart care is made me realise what a fruitless ten hours that had been.

Currently in glorious sunny Devon, on probably the best weather day of the year, a and e does not appeal. Now your comment about if I suddenly start speaking gibberish unfortunately my other half would say how is he to know the difference. Seriously though I am being watched for signs of anything untoward and I can actually see the hospital from here so would be whisked off if circumstances change. Head still sore but no bump, or cut or swelling, but I know we cant see whats going on inside. Will watch and wait. Thanks again for responding and I hope you are well and enjoying this glorious June day.

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer in reply to meadfoot

Where in Devon, not near me in Barnstaple are you?

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to BobD

Not this time although we do visit Barnstaple. We are between Teignmouth and Torquay. Watched the red arrows display over the bay yesterday and the Vulcan display an hour or so ago. Glorious weather.

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer in reply to meadfoot

Sad no BBMF but grounded pending results of enquiry. Shout next time you are in North Devon

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to BobD

Will do. Yes its so sad isnt it, I love all aircraft both old and new. Used to love the Finningley air show up in Yorkshire, went to see it every year. Our travels to Devon are every view weeks. Know every bump on the M5 and of course all the roadworks too, unfortunately.

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat in reply to meadfoot

Ah the Finningley Airshow. But first the bump. I went a goodcrack a few years ago on the way to the surgery. Nurse got GP to see me as couldn't stop bleeding of forehead cut. GP gave husband pages of head injury obs to watch out for. I felt awful for about 3 days but was having daily dressing so seeing nurse regularly. She said I had looked awful and worried her. But all ok.Before Christmas I fell wacked head and had an egg. Knew I should have gone to A&E ( apixaban) really but very busy as family arriving next day(!)

By the time they arrived , I felt 111 good idea as felt grim. Had CT all good but had fuzzy head on and off for about 5 weeks aka post concussion.

If you feel ok I would wait and see, but as you can tell, I'm not the best person to advise.

Finningley Air Show- one year my husband who was posted there at the time, was officer i/c bogs and drains ( portaloos!!) a never to be repeated experience. Man's (and particularly woman's) ingenuity for creating mayhem within this confined space, was beyond belief.

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to Bagrat

Sorry to hear you have been knocked about the head too. We really must both take more water with it, lol. These freak accidents are so annoying no matter how mindful we are for our safety being on anticoagulation. I will watch for the symptoms associated with head knocks.

A Mr Google site said someone should check on us during the night to make sure we are asleep and not unconscious, my husband says does that mean I can dig you in the ribs throughout the night to ensure all is ok. Dont you dare was my response, not unless you want a thick ear.

Hope you are well yourself thanks.

Ah Finningley a blast from the past for us both then.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to meadfoot

Hi

I had a bad knock on head at the back.

Called St John and asked to be looked over. Fancy pulling me foot up in the low sink, lost balance, the hardi-glaze stopped my flying across the room.

Bumped head, slid down wall, on coccyx ouch. put elbow into dogs kibble container ouch again.

I sat on frozen peas.

The paramedic didn't seem concerned as I said that I was on PRADAXA.

The top of arm went black.

Coccyx OK.

Have to watch for internal bleeding.

Stayed at home and kept quiet.

Had inner cuff doe 30 October 2 years later. Found a detachment, full thickness tear and burred 1/2 inch off bone - a spur.

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49

Good heavens, that was a scenario hard to imagine although I did my best, sounds like one of those freak accidents you couldnt repeat if you tried, not that you would want to clearly. It all sounds awful and I so hope you are all ok now eventually. Thanks for sharing your experience. Today I feel better but carefully watching and if anything suspicious arises I am off for medical care. Keep safe in NZ.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to meadfoot

Hi

That was in 2021.

No more feet up in sink!!!!!!

I was having a sponge down and suddenly thought my feet need washing too! Its lower but Jaz's wicker basket (baby's cot) is under which pushes one out.

I'm glad it happened because the 4 times waking at night for arm pain was cured through this fall. I guess I manipulated it back in place.

Finally operated on late October so back to careful (not too heavier weight) but bowling will be next year.

Trouble is there's no keeping me back. The spur grew because of 'non use' of my arm so restriction got sworse and worse as it grew.

Specialist called it 'burring off the bone' and through 2 holes!

We might be older but we stil do stupid things without thinking it through.

cheri jOY

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49

My mum used to say always grow old gracefully. My mantra is grow old disgracefully and my aim is to be an excentric old lady. Its going well so far. We had best add grow old carefully to the list. Stay safe, live life to the full. Keep up the good work.

mjames1 profile image
mjames1

I had a similar incident while on Eliquis. I decided not to go to the ER/A&E because that's not how I wanted to spend my Sunday. But for the next couple of days all I could think about was if I made the right decision and I started to question every little symptom I was feeling.

What sticks out to me is that you "saw stars" and your head still hurts. I had neither of those symptoms. Statistically, I'm sure you would be ok waiting it out, however not sure that would be the prudent thing to do.

Jim

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to mjames1

Thanks Jim, comforting to know you had similar thoughts when you had a head wallop, but wish you hadnt had the hit in the first place. I too will watch and wait and probably fret along the way but like you if needs must, if anything changes or gets worse then I will head the five minutes to the hospital I am close to currently in Devon. Hoping to swerve it but if needs must later then off I can go.

Travelling back home tomorrow all being well but my local hospital is awful so maybe better off staying here if care was needed. I hope you are well and you too have the glorious weather we have here. Stay safe.

Cavalierrubie profile image
Cavalierrubie

l once hit my head badly. I sat it out. I would have gone A/E if l had pain or red bruise coming through. Put some ice on it and watch for bruising. Always something to spoil your day! X

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to Cavalierrubie

Thanks Cacalierrubie, sorry you had something similar. Your experience sounds the same and you lived to tell the tale as the saying goes. Pleased you recovered largely unscathed. I will watch for any adverse signs you mention and act accordingly.

I had a freak fall a few weeks back and in slow motion was aware to not knock my head, broke my big toe and was badly bruised but head didn't touch the floor due to my quick thinking. Today I foolishly didnt duck when going into a green house and whack. Hope you are well and experiencing the glorious weather that is Devon currently.

Cavalierrubie profile image
Cavalierrubie in reply to meadfoot

You sound as if you are beating yourself up!!! Poor ol you. It’s very upsetting falling and bumping and really shakes you up. We can’t have a brandy can we, like most people do. Nice hot drink with bit sugar helps. I know sugar is probably banned, but on this occasion…..,,,, My husband used to say when he bumped his head “Where there is no sense, there is no feeling.” You take it easy for the rest of the day. Take care. Xxx

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot

Thanks Cavalierrubie, will do. Looking out of the window at the sea currently, been watching a Vulcan bombers display, yesterday it was the red arrows.

Might try my favourite, ovaltine made with oat milk, quite tasty and soothing. Have a good evening.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

Sorry to hear this news and hope you will be ok.A friend fell over this week, she's in her 80's. I was concerned at the bruising on her forehead but by the next day she had a black eye too! She said she felt fine, I said she must go to hospital if she starts feeling odd.

She looked horrendous but had to have a routine INR test a few days later. The nurse she saw didn't say a word about her bruising and that really shocked me!

Be aware more bruising may come out by tomorrow.

Take care.

Jean xx

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to jeanjeannie50

Thanks Jean. Its crazy I had the fall in the supermarket car park a few weeks ago as you know and managed to avoid banging my head then today I didnt duck down enough entering the greenhouse and whack. I will watch for bruising tomorrow. Hope your friend is well recovered now. What a glorious day its been again, dont want to go home.

lovetogarden profile image
lovetogarden

Having had a ridiculously hard bump to the head last autumn, I can feel your pain! Mine was bad enough to be classed as a concussion. And since it happened at a concert hall, the staff there insisted on calling an ambulance. They looked me over onsite and since I had someone to watch out for me, they just sent my husband and me back to our Airbnb (we were in vacation in Finland). Didn’t have any problem with the anticoagulants, thank goodness. Hope your head is starting to feel better.

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to lovetogarden

Sorry to hear of your experience and pleased you came to no lasting harm and hope it didnt spoil your trip to Finland. Good that you had someone on hand medical wise generated by the venue who gave sound advice. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I will quietly watch and wait.

I have slept ok with my nightly vivid dreams so nothing unusual or untoward there and will see what the day holds and act accordingly. Long drive home later but I am merely the passenger. Trust all is well with you. Thanks again.

Plastow48 profile image
Plastow48

Saw Vulcan fly? If only that was possible. She hasn't flown for several years as cannot get licence/insurance. Must have been another type of plane. Hope the head is feeling better.

Jenny

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to Plastow48

Yes feeling better thank you. Hope all is well with you.

oscarfox49 profile image
oscarfox49

This is always a concern but I would judge first how easily you bleed from minor cuts and abrasions while under anticoagulant treatment and unless you have had any bleeding from internal conditions or injuries, not to worry unduly unless you feel giddy or unwell in any particular way after the accident.

I remember walking into an open Velux window in the bedroom when I'd just started taking Apixaban and was so terrified that I DID go over all giddy and sweaty. No harm done though. Then last autumn I fell about five feet from a step ladder while pruning trees and hit the ground with a great bump while bashing my head hard on a branch while coming down. I really thought it was all over; but the only consequences were lots of bruises and a sprained back for ten days.

Nobody should be complacent when taking anticoagulants as the dangers are increased, but at the same time we should be realistic and accept that brain bleeds and so on are extreme events and more likely after a severe blow to the head rather than a simple knock however temporarily painful.

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to oscarfox49

Thank you. I cringed when imagining your fall and velux window incident too. Pleased you were ok though after bruising etc. I have been fine today again thanks so hopefully its all behind me. Just back from a five hour drive home, not me driving I made add. Stay well and no more falling for either of us please.

oscarfox49 profile image
oscarfox49 in reply to meadfoot

Delighted you are fine. Just take care not to bump your head again! But these things happen so easily and none of us want to admit we are getting any older.

Suze43 profile image
Suze43

I’m on apixaban and when I tripped over the garden hose and landed head first on concrete paving I had a small amount of bleeding from grazing and a significant ‘egg’ in the middle of my forehead. No other symptoms so initially it didn’t occur to me to get it checked out. When bruising developed under my eyes I asked the local pharmacist for advice and the response was to see a Dr immediately. The Dr then insisted I went straight to A&E. I was triaged quite quickly, checked thoroughly and scanned. All fine but they told me a hefty bump like this should always be checked out.

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to Suze43

Wow that sounds like a bad fall. Pleased you were checked out and all resolved without anything worse occuring as a result. Thanks for your feedback and story it helps to hear of other such injuries although I wish it hadnt happened to you. Stay safe.

Broseley profile image
Broseley

I agree with Suze43. It's not worth the risk. Ring 111 to be sure.

When my mum was in a care home they had a policy always to ring 999 if mum ever fell and hit her head as she was on apixaban.

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to Broseley

Thanks Broseley, good to hear your mums care home were on the ball. Better safe than sorry. Currently I am feeling ok again but still watching carefully just to be safe and if anything untoward happens off I go in search of medical care. Be well and thanks again.

Afibtastic profile image
Afibtastic

I hit my head a few months ago. Had a lump and it was bleeding as well. Wasn't sure if it was bad enough to go to the hospital so just thought I would see if anything strange started. Luckily all OK. Now always worried about my head. I like to ride my mountain bike in the bush and ride a SUP in the surf. Wear a helmet in the surf now. Then there is travel insurance issues when on a skiing holiday as well. Pain in the........... The price we have to pay

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to Afibtastic

Wow you are active makes me tired just imagining your activities let alone try them. Good for you and for being head injury aware too. Long may you continue in good health sufficient to do such lovely activities. Mm insurance, what a hassle that is. Need a second mortgage in order to fund the ins premiums. Stay well and safe. Thanks for sharing.

Dollcollector profile image
Dollcollector

I am on Riveroxaban. My wheelchair tipped over backwards going up a ramp that was too steep. My head crashed down onto concrete and a big lump came up on my head. An ambulance was sent for and l was taken to hospital. I had a scan but l was fine. As that was quite a serious accident, it seems that it is quite unlikely to get a bleed on the brain from a knock on the head , which is reassuring.

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to Dollcollector

Good gracious that was a fall and a half you had. Going cold just thinking about it. Amazed you didnt get a brain bleed but so pleased that you didn't. Sounds like you got good treatment and care to ensure all was well. Bet it took some time to get over shock of the accident. Hope all is well with you. Today things are looking ok with my head so fingers crossed.

Dollcollector profile image
Dollcollector in reply to meadfoot

Glad you are feeling better. Yes the shock of the accident took more getting over than the large lump on my head. This place was actually breaking the law by having too steep a ramp, which they provided for wheelchairs.

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to Dollcollector

Thank you. Thats awful you could have sued them.

southkorea profile image
southkorea

No . My cardiologist said to have a scan only if you knock yourself out or have a bump as big as an egg! But seek help if you have vision problems or a sudden headache!

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to southkorea

Thats useful information from your medic southkorea, I will note their comments. Trust you are well and thanks for sharing. Stay safe.

Snowgirl65 profile image
Snowgirl65

You've probably made up your mind already on what to do (I'm in the US so I read posts a little later than those in the UK), but I also bumped my head recently on a low-hanging tree limb while hiking, and wondered about brain bleed since I too am on Xarelto. No talking gibberish or stars in front of my eyes, so I guess I was fine. I really must look where I'm going though...!

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to Snowgirl65

I can feel your pain Snowgirl, I bet it hurt. Now my husband says I talk gibberish much of the time anyway so no change there haha. Whats with us anticoagulant patients and bumping our heads, we must be more careful. Thanks for sharing your story, keep safe and leave those tree branches alone in future! I think I have swerved any nasty head outcomes this time but must take better care. Best wishes to you in the US from the UK.

Snowgirl65 profile image
Snowgirl65 in reply to meadfoot

Ha ha!! And Best Wishes to you as well!

Tapanac profile image
Tapanac

I fell over snd bumped my head (quite badly) but more worried about my bleeding nose and legs. However I did go to hospital snd had a CT scan and I had had a bleed. No symptoms do I didn’t think anything was wrong

I was told if no bleeding or bumps it could be internal and if I did get symptoms later the bleed would have developed snd there was the danger

Sorry Best to get advice snd relief

All the best

BaileyC57 profile image
BaileyC57

Yes I fell on the floor and trip on a throw rug , which is gone now, and hit my head real hard and I am on blood thinners and went to the hospital and got a CT SCAN! They said always go to the hospital when you hit your head and on blood thinners!

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to BaileyC57

Thats what I read too Bailey. I am usually so careful not to hit my head for that very reason but this one slipped through my net. A few weeks ago I had a freak fall in a supermarket car park, it was like slow motion and I was acutely aware to try not to let my head hit the ground which I managed with great finesse but managed to break my big toe in the process.

I seem fine today but am being very vigilant. Any sign of anything slightly untoward and off I will go to hospital. I am aware there can be a delay between injury and anything untoward showing and the danger can be its got worse by then. I hope you are fully recovered now and that darned rug has been removed. Thanks for your feedback. Stay well.

BaileyC57 profile image
BaileyC57 in reply to meadfoot

Yes, when I fell it was last October, glad I got it checked out, piece of mind!

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to BaileyC57

It was a good call. Having our minds put at rest is so important.

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot

Wow Tapanac that was scary, what treatment did they give you. Are you ok now, I sincerely hope so. That has been my concern nothing of note showing on the outside but whats lurking internally. I am watching very carefully and the slightest sign of anything concerning off I will go to hospital. I take your well made point of the danger of waiting too long. I read it can take some while in some cases before we see the impact of the impact. I am being vigilant. I so hope you are well and thanks for responding.

BaileyC57 profile image
BaileyC57

Yes a CT SCAN you need if you fall and hit your head! I told me that at the hospital when I hit my head , I am on blood thinners!

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot

Good call better safe than sorry.

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