What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Thrombocytopenia?

Mild to serious bleeding causes the main signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia. Bleeding can occur inside the body (internal bleeding) or on the skin.

Signs and symptoms can appear suddenly or over time. Mild thrombocytopenia often has no signs or symptoms. Many times, it's found during a routine blood test.

Check with your doctor if you have any signs of bleeding. Severe thrombocytopenia can cause bleeding in almost any part of the body. This can lead to a medical emergency and should be treated right away.

Bleeding on the skin is usually the first sign of a low platelet count. This may appear as:

• Small red or purple spots on the skin called petechiae (pe-TEE-key-ay). These spots often occur on the lower legs.
• Purple, brown, and red bruises called purpura. Bruising may happen easily and often.
• Prolonged bleeding, even from minor cuts.
• Bleeding or oozing from the mouth or nose, especially nosebleeds or bleeding from brushing your teeth.

A bleeding problem also can appear as abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially heavy menstrual flow). A lot of bleeding after surgery or dental work also may mean you have a bleeding problem.

Heavy bleeding into the intestines or the brain is serious and can be fatal. Signs and symptoms include:

• Blood in the urine or stool or bleeding from the rectum. Blood in the stool can appear as red blood or as a dark, tarry color. (Taking iron supplements also can cause dark, tarry stools.)
• Headaches and other neurological symptoms. These are very rare, but you should discuss them with your doctor.