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What Causes Confusion And Fearfulness After Blood Transfusions?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Jun 2014
Question: my husband had a total body blood transfusion 3 weeks ago. he seems fine at time but at times he is confused and fearful. is this typical and how long will it last
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Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It is not typical

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this excessive bleeding that your husband suffered after the stone removal procedure. I am however happy because he received the necessary care and transfusion and the bleeding was finally stopped.

Being confused and fearful are not complications of blood transfusion. These symptoms are rather suggestive of trauma as a result of what he experienced during the time of his treatment that necessitated 9pints of blood transfusion. I think it was a difficult time for him and he has not gotten over it just now. I will suggest that he talks with a psychiatrist for reassurance noting that it was a complication and would not return. He needs to be assured and reassured that his health is fine and there is no residual risk after this complication was masterminded. Otherwise, the trauma would live on and on and make him to constantly flashback to this and develop these symptoms..

In all, it is not related to transfusion. These symptoms are suggestive of a post traumatic stress disorder. He should be evaluated and managed accordingly by a psychiatrist.

I hope this helps. I wish your husband well. Thanks for using our services and please feel free to ask for more information and clarification if need be.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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What Causes Confusion And Fearfulness After Blood Transfusions?

Brief Answer: It is not typical Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this excessive bleeding that your husband suffered after the stone removal procedure. I am however happy because he received the necessary care and transfusion and the bleeding was finally stopped. Being confused and fearful are not complications of blood transfusion. These symptoms are rather suggestive of trauma as a result of what he experienced during the time of his treatment that necessitated 9pints of blood transfusion. I think it was a difficult time for him and he has not gotten over it just now. I will suggest that he talks with a psychiatrist for reassurance noting that it was a complication and would not return. He needs to be assured and reassured that his health is fine and there is no residual risk after this complication was masterminded. Otherwise, the trauma would live on and on and make him to constantly flashback to this and develop these symptoms.. In all, it is not related to transfusion. These symptoms are suggestive of a post traumatic stress disorder. He should be evaluated and managed accordingly by a psychiatrist. I hope this helps. I wish your husband well. Thanks for using our services and please feel free to ask for more information and clarification if need be.