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Hemophilia - History, Future, Cause and Potential Cure.
Symptoms and Treatment of Bleeding Episodes
Deep Muscle Bleeding
As a child with hemophilia matures, he is more active and will have more bleeding episodes. The first sign of bleeding deep in a muscle may be a reluctance to use the limb. He may become irritable as bleeding continues.
When you notice any of these symptoms, examine the limb carefully but do not attempt to move it forcibly if the person resists. Examine the opposite limb at the same time to detect possible differences in swelling and/or skin temperature.
Beware of a complaint from an older child of "pulled muscles". These are often confused with deep muscle bleeding. A pulled muscle complaint is always to be considered a deep muscle bleeding unless proven otherwise.
A bleeding episode in a muscle can spread through the muscle length, often without your noticing it. When muscle bleeding occurs in the forearm, calf or groin, swelling can create pressure on the the nerves which can result in numbness, and subsequent pain and inability to move the limb.
For this reason, it is important to have your hemophilia center check suspicious symptoms early until you become more experienced. Never feel that you may be wasting the staff's time; the doctor or nurse would much rather reassure you than have you fail to alarm them and hope it will go away. Deep muscle bleeding often requires follow-up treatment and observation by the center staff. Sling, splints or crutches may be necessary for support for several days.
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