Brain bleeds

[Myflowers2]

Has anyone on Apixaban had a brain bleed if so what were your symptoms ?

[CDreamer]

I had a TIA because I WASN’T taking Apixaban.

Have you had a problem?

[Peony4575]

An elderly lady I know did . She had headache for some days and felt “off” got fibbed off by her GP a couple of times. They called an ambulance at the point she started vomiting . If you have any suspicion that you or anyone you know has a brain bleed you should be seeking proper medical attention rather than asking this forum . Doubtless presentations vary

[Bagrat]

No but if you have unexplained symptoms that make you concerned, consult your health care provider or at least phone111 for guidance as if in UK it's a bank holiday

[Desanthony]

No I haven't had one and no one I know has but if you have any worrying symptoms then either call 111 for advice, or call 999 if you are really bad and get yourself to A&E. Even if it isn't a bleed you are better off having any symptoms investigated as soon as possible.

[ozziebob]

It's easy to say "have any symptoms" investigated, but, if I recall properly, my only concern, prior to (3ish) instances of intermittent 5 minute hand paralyses that necessitated an A&E visit and a diagnosis of spontaneous (ie. unexplained) acute bilateral subdural haematomas, I can only recall a small sore spot on my scalp, something I associated with the irritation of a pimple and best left alone to resolve by itself. I did wonder about a GP visit but my symptoms were so "vague" I couldn't face the potential opprobrium of wasting my GP's time.

While I am pleased to report my bleeding had stopped by the time of the diagnosis and consequently a conservative non-intervention procedure was possible (10 days of steroids) which resolved the matter, I have been left with a fear of a repeat bleed while anticoagulated that could well prove catastrophic before I was able to call for help (I live alone). So currently I am not taking the apixaban recommended for me.

But my situation is individual, don't be "put off" by my experience, although I consider myself very lucky. As another has said re headaches as a symptom, in the absence of a head injury, it's not unknown to get "fobbed off" initially by GPs until more obvious symptoms that cannot be ignored appear, like paralysis. But after my experience I would consider both an ongoing headache and an unexplained persisting "sore spot" on my scalp as reason enough to seek medical help.

Good luck.

[Rambler398]

Are you worried you have had a haemorrhage? What are your symptoms?

[2learn]

Hi, various replies say if you have worrying symptoms consult your GP etc. I report them to GP and hospital they aren't concerned, even when I went blind for 5 mins. I was told if it was a TIA and I was on apixaban there was nothing they could do. I've had a stroke on apixaban and was told incorrectly I couldn't have a MRI cos I've a pacemaker, could have been a brain bleed or something else. Sometimes seems I'm just waiting for the next big bang. Good luck

[ozziebob]

Further to my reply above about my experience of a brain bleed, it is important to acknowledge that this occurred (late 2016) four years before my pAF events began (late 2020).

And, knowing my bleed history, in 2021, the Haematology Dept of my local major London hospital recommended apixaban for me in preference to the then 1st choice edoxaban. This was presumably because of a "belief" that apixaban has a lower risk profile re "major" bleeds. 🤔 Whether this "belief" holds up in the light of more recent research in 2024 would need further investigation.

[Rotsky]

I have been very fortunate. Been on Apixaban for several years and no problems. On Warferin I could not get stable and had nose bleeds but nothing serious. If you are worried do call 111 and you will not be wasting their time. Look after yourself. We are all here to help. xx

[7473]

now on Edoxaban, change I think financial rather than anything else. Benefit once daily. Still small haemorrhage from bumps and knocks so not much better. 6 monthly bloods, low red blood cell counts lately, review in three months. Feel good. Good luck.