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Can A CT Scan Detect Bleeding In Brain?
Question: My 88 year old mother fell yesterday and hit her head. She is also on the blood thinner Eloquis. She has had no symptoms of head trauma - no confusion, no dizzyness, no headache, no speech difficulties, no problems walking or problems with consciousness as far as I can tell from speaking with her over the phone. She lives in another province. She has not been seen by a doctor. She is due to fly to Mexico with me on Tuesday. Should she be assessed by a doctor? Will a CT scan show if there is a brain bleed? If the CT scan is clear, I understand a bleed could still occur later and gradually. Is this correct? Thanks very much for your time.
Brief Answer:
Close observation is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello
My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. All the symptoms you mentioned should be checked in such patients. As they are -ve so best thing to be done is keep close observation. If any of the following signs appear then immediate medical attention is required:
- Confusion/disorientation
- Altered state of consciousness
- Severe headache
- Speech difficulties
- Difficulty in focusing
- Weakness of any part of the body
- OR Any symptom that you think is unusual
> Now as she is on apixaban (Elquis) so extra precaution is needed. Yes it takes some hrs for bleed to appear on CT-head AND in some cases it doesn't appear but its better to get it done once. If it appears clear then re-scan can be done on appearance of any of the above mentioned symptoms.
> Assurance by visiting a doctor will make her relax and it will not make her stress. Stress/anxiety almost always aggravates the problem.
>Yes, bleed can slowly occur and that's the reason we need take care extra caution by observing her closely.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Close observation is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello
My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. All the symptoms you mentioned should be checked in such patients. As they are -ve so best thing to be done is keep close observation. If any of the following signs appear then immediate medical attention is required:
- Confusion/disorientation
- Altered state of consciousness
- Severe headache
- Speech difficulties
- Difficulty in focusing
- Weakness of any part of the body
- OR Any symptom that you think is unusual
> Now as she is on apixaban (Elquis) so extra precaution is needed. Yes it takes some hrs for bleed to appear on CT-head AND in some cases it doesn't appear but its better to get it done once. If it appears clear then re-scan can be done on appearance of any of the above mentioned symptoms.
> Assurance by visiting a doctor will make her relax and it will not make her stress. Stress/anxiety almost always aggravates the problem.
>Yes, bleed can slowly occur and that's the reason we need take care extra caution by observing her closely.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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