Symptoms of DISSEMINATED INTRAVASCULAR COAGULATION

DIC produces unexpected and uncontrollable bleeding and hemorrhage in any part of the body. Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract can lead to vomiting blood, or black tarry stools. Vaginal bleeding can occur, with heavy, prolonged or unexpected menstrual bleeding. Blood can develop in the urine and in the stool. Nose bleeds may occur. Bleeding from the brain may be signified by a change in the level of consciousness, headaches, nausea and vomiting or focal neurological symptoms. These focal neurological symptoms include weakness, sensory loss, speech problems, visual problems or seizures. Bleeding in the abdominal cavity can produce abdominal pain, abdominal swelling and shock. Nausea and vomiting can occur. Irritation of the diaphragms can lead to shoulder pain. Bleeding in the chest will produce chest pain, shortness of breath and cough. All of these disorders will lead to rapid heart beat, pallor, generalized weakness and exercise intolerance.