Congenital platelet function defects: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for bleeding that is heavy, rapidly worsening, or not stopping with your usual first-aid measures or bleeding plan.
Emergency assessment is also needed after a significant head injury or for:
A sudden severe headache, confusion, fainting, seizure, or weakness
Vomiting blood, coughing up blood, or passing a large amount of blood
Black, tar-like bowel movements with weakness or dizziness
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, or signs of shock
Heavy bleeding during pregnancy or after childbirth
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your haematology or urgent care team promptly if bleeding lasts longer than usual, nosebleeds keep returning, bruising suddenly increases, or blood appears in urine or bowel movements.
Seek timely advice for menstrual bleeding that is difficult to control or causes dizziness, breathlessness, or marked tiredness.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine contact is appropriate when you need to update a bleeding plan, discuss iron symptoms, review medicines, or prepare for dental work, surgery, pregnancy, or travel.
Planned procedures should not go ahead without the relevant team knowing about the platelet defect.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Congenital platelet function defects. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.