HomeAnswersGeneral SurgerywarfarinI am on Warfarin. Can a sudden blow result in a stroke?

What are the chances of bleeding from a sudden blow if I am on blood thinners?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 22, 2017
Reviewed AtMay 18, 2022

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am on warfarin for life. Yesterday, while I was working in my house, I knocked the upper back part of my head on the marble roof of the window pane. It was neither a hard blow nor a soft one. It was medium. I did not feel any pain. I did not have any blackout but was stunned for two to three seconds. Today, my INR came as 3.73. I do not have any headaches. My question is, will I be having a stroke?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • Firstly, I would like to know the indication for which you were prescribed Warfarin.
  • Secondly, 3.73 is a higher INR (international normalized ratio) than normally desired which usually is between 2 to 2.5 or 2.5 to 3 according to indications, in most of the cases.
  • Now, considering the injury, two places where the chances of bleeding are higher in your case are, under the skin or inside the skull (in or around the brain).
  • As you have not mentioned about any swelling under the skin of the head, at the site of injury, there is no bleeding under the skin which is also called subgaleal hemorrhage.
  • You do not have headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, visual blurring or any other symptom to suggest intracranial bleeding in or around the brain.
  • So, I think you should not worry at present about a stroke or bleeding. But, in case if you develop any of these symptoms, get yourself scanned.
  • Considering the warfarin dose, it needs to be adjusted. So, consult your treating doctor regarding that.

For more information consult a general surgeon online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/general-surgeon

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your answer. I was prescribed Warfarin for having a protein deficiency and for having had pulmonary embolism and DVT. My optimal range is from 2 to 3. I do not have any swelling or lacerations on the head as such.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • Then, I suggest you consult your doctor to get the dose of Warfarin adjusted to get the INR below 3.

For more information consult a general surgeon online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/general-surgeon

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Solanki Chirag Natwarbhai
Dr. Solanki Chirag Natwarbhai

Neurosurgery

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

General Surgery

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy