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Having Severe Headache. Taking Warfarin. Cure?
Question: 74 years old, severe headache, confused, on Warfarin, recently started Bactrim DS, h/o GI Bleed with INR >4.0. What is the standard of care?
Dear sir
Welcome to Health Care magic.
Thanks for writing in.
I am a qualified and certified cardiologist. I read your mail with interest. You have not mentioned about whether you are continuing warfarin after GI bleed or not.
Because in this age group warfarin Can cause bleeding in brain also, and your symptoms also suggestive of neurological problem.
So immediately consult a physician and evaluate for that by CT scan brain if needed.
Regarding Bactrim DS ,
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, like headache, confusion,Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), so this may be also one reason for symptoms.
so you need complete evaluation to whether it is a drug side effect or neurological problem.
thank you.
Welcome to Health Care magic.
Thanks for writing in.
I am a qualified and certified cardiologist. I read your mail with interest. You have not mentioned about whether you are continuing warfarin after GI bleed or not.
Because in this age group warfarin Can cause bleeding in brain also, and your symptoms also suggestive of neurological problem.
So immediately consult a physician and evaluate for that by CT scan brain if needed.
Regarding Bactrim DS ,
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, like headache, confusion,Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), so this may be also one reason for symptoms.
so you need complete evaluation to whether it is a drug side effect or neurological problem.
thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Yes, continuing Warfarin even though has a history of GI bleed. INR was 4.4 exactly (not 4.5). Also have chronic kidney disease with a baseline creatinine of 2 The lower GI bleed was secondary to supratherapeutic INR approximately 7 years ago.
hi.
as i said earlier you have to first evaluate for cerebral bleed for that symptoms , which is more commen in that age group. Next it may be because of Bactrim sideeffect.
thank you.
as i said earlier you have to first evaluate for cerebral bleed for that symptoms , which is more commen in that age group. Next it may be because of Bactrim sideeffect.
thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
re standard of care: My last question is this: If you had all of the previous information but were not aware that the patient was confused, would you still have the same advice?
hi,
yes , if the patient doesn't having confusion , only headache severe nature , should be evaluated in that age group(74yrs) , without any problem also.
But in your case you are already on warfarin , INR is high, past history of bleeding
, renal failure and use of Bactrim, these all increase the possibility of having problem.
And this is only one differential diagnosis only , not conclusion.
Because cerebral bleeding is most problematic situation, so you should evaluate early.
thank you
yes , if the patient doesn't having confusion , only headache severe nature , should be evaluated in that age group(74yrs) , without any problem also.
But in your case you are already on warfarin , INR is high, past history of bleeding
, renal failure and use of Bactrim, these all increase the possibility of having problem.
And this is only one differential diagnosis only , not conclusion.
Because cerebral bleeding is most problematic situation, so you should evaluate early.
thank you
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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