Skip to main content

Managing head injuries.

People who have hemophilia must be particularly alert to the threat of head injuries, which can be difficult to detect. You may not actually see a head injury without a test like a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Because head bleeds can be life-threatening, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of a head injury and to report them to your doctor right away.

Signs and symptoms of a head injury:

  • Headache that doesn’t go away or gets worse in 24 hours
  • Drowsiness or trouble waking up
  • Any changes in vision
  • Dizziness or trouble walking straight
  • Nausea and vomiting (when you’re not sick)
  • Slurred speech
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Fussiness (that may become inconsolable) in small children

In case of a possible head injury:

  • Always follow the instructions provided by your Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) or physician
  • If on home infusion, infuse factor to raise levels between 80 percent and 100 percent
  • If you are not on home infusion, or after home infusion of factor, get medical care right away
    • Call or have someone call 911 if you lose consciousness or have other medical problems
    • Go to the emergency room for an exam and tests (CT scan or MRI)
    • Call your hemophilia treatment center (HTC) or CVS Specialty Hemophilia CareTeam
  • Avoid or hold off on any pain medication until your doctor prescribes it

Remember:

  • Head bleeds can happen from a major injury or a seemingly small one.
  • Bleeding in the head can be slow. Signs and symptoms may appear gradually, even over several days.
  • A head bleed may be unnoticeable. Even though you may not see any signs of injury (like bumps or bruises), bleeding may still be occurring inside the head.
  • You may need treatment with factor for a period of time after a bleeding episode.

Additional support.

If you have any questions, talk to your specialist or contact the CVS Specialty Hemophilia CareTeam at 1-866-RxCare-1 (1-866-792-2731). Our Hemophilia CareTeam representatives are ready to help.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your medical condition and prior to starting any new treatment. CVS Specialty assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content.

CVS Specialty does not operate all the websites/organizations listed here, nor is it responsible for the availability or reliability of their content. These listings do not imply or constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by CVS Specialty.

Your privacy is important to us. Our employees are trained regarding the appropriate way to handle your private health information.