After a Fall on a Blood Thinner

You take a blood thinner. You fell. One rule can save your life.

In this video, we talk about what to do after a fall when you are on a blood thinner.

Blood thinners help stop strokes and dangerous clots. But they also make bleeding harder to stop — even inside your body where you cannot see it.

If you fall, bleeding can start inside — slowly — and you may not feel it right away. It can get dangerous hours later.

This is why falling on a blood thinner is different from falling without one.

Here is the most important thing in this video.

If you take a blood thinner and you hit your head in a fall — go to the emergency room or call 911.

Do this even if you feel okay. Do not wait to see if you feel worse.

It does not matter if your head just bumped the floor, a wall, or a piece of furniture. Any hit to the head while on a blood thinner — go right away.

Now — even if you did not hit your head, watch for these warning signs. They can show up hours after a fall. If you notice any of them — call 911 or go to the emergency room.

A headache that starts or keeps getting worse. Vomiting or sudden nausea. New confusion — or acting different than normal. Very sleepy — or hard to wake up. Weakness on one side, or trouble speaking. Unequal pupils — one pupil looks bigger than the other.

Any one of these: call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. Do not wait.

Two more things to watch for after any fall while on a blood thinner.

Bleeding you cannot stop with steady pressure — go to the emergency room or call 911.

A bruise that keeps getting bigger — go to the emergency room or call 911.

Blood in your urine, or stools that look dark and tarry — go to the emergency room or call 911.

One more very important step.

Keep a list that says you take a blood thinner — and bring it with you any time you need care. Bring your pill bottle, or take a photo of the label on your phone.

Tell every doctor, nurse, and ER team that you are on a blood thinner. This helps them treat you safely and quickly.

Three things to remember. One — any head hit while on a blood thinner — go to the ER or call 911. Two — watch for the warning signs. Three — always carry your med list.

"If you take a blood thinner and bump your head, what should you do?"

"Go to the emergency room or call 911 — right away, even if I feel okay."

What should you do right after any fall — to get up safely, or to ask for help? Watch next: "What to Do After a Fall."