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
Seek emergency care for:
Bleeding that is heavy, rapidly worsening, or will not stop with firm pressure
A significant head injury, especially with headache, vomiting, confusion, weakness, or unusual sleepiness
Vomiting blood, coughing up blood, or passing black or bloody stools
Sudden severe pain or swelling that could represent internal, muscle, or joint bleeding
Heavy vaginal bleeding with fainting, marked weakness, chest pain, or breathing difficulty
Heavy bleeding during pregnancy or after childbirth
Swelling or bleeding in the mouth or neck that affects breathing or swallowing
Use the emergency treatment plan provided by your specialist if you have one.
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 healthcare team promptly for bleeding that keeps returning, a period that becomes much heavier, bleeding after a procedure, or symptoms of anaemia.
Medical assessment may be needed even if the bleeding has stopped.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine contact is appropriate before planned surgery, dental extraction, pregnancy, or starting a medicine that affects clotting.
Regular follow-up is also useful if your bleeding pattern changes.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Von willebrand disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.