Health Conditions

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of major bleeding vary from one individual to another. In general, a superficial bruise that is not associated with the head or a joint usually does not present a problem. In addition, bruises that feel bumpy and move easily when pushed probably do not require treatment. Bruises or bumps that are especially large, that feel tight and hard, or that do not move, however, may indicate bleeding into deep tissues. Treatment should begin immediately.

Most individuals with hemophilia and their caregivers learn to recognize the signs that major bleeding may be starting. Some individuals experience a fizzy or trickling feeling that serves as a warning. Very young children with hemophilia may be irritable. For babies and toddlers, bleeding may be signaled by restricted movement. For example, a child with hemophilia may not want to reach for a toy or a bottle and he may not roll over or crawl as much as other children in the same age group.

Other signs and symptoms of hemophilia include bleeding in the joints. Bleeding can occur in the knees, ankles, and elbows. Signs to look for include, stiffness of the joint without any pain (first sign), stiffness of the joint with pain, joint becomes very stiff and feels very warm, all movement in the joint is lost due to excessive swelling and is very painful, and the bleeding will actually show after several days.

Other symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine
• Blood in the stool
• Excessive bleeding after losing a tooth or having surgery
• Frequent or lengthy nosebleeds without any reason or cause

Bleeding around the brain is typically caused by an injury (eg. a bump on the head). It does not require a very hard bump, so patients with hemophilia need to be very careful. This is very serious if left untreated. The following are major symptoms for which the doctor must be contacted immediately. They include:

• Long-lasting painful headaches or an increase in the number of headaches
• Vomiting many times throughout the day
• Having changes in mood or being very tired throughout the day
• An arm or leg that suddenly becomes very weak
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Double vision
• Difficulty walking/poor balance
• Seizures