Timing blood thinners after head injury: a delicate balance between bleeding and stroke risk
NCT ID NCT06322953
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This trial investigates the safest time to restart direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) after a traumatic brain bleed. Many older adults who fall and hit their head are on blood thinners for conditions like atrial fibrillation, and stopping them raises the risk of stroke or clots. The study will compare restarting DOACs at 1 week versus 4 weeks after injury, tracking major bleeding or clotting events over 12 weeks. About 1,084 participants will be followed to see which timing offers the best balance of safety and protection.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, or rivaroxaban
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could establish the safest time to restart blood thinners after a head injury, reducing the risk of both further bleeding and strokes.
- What could go wrong
- This is a single trial, and results may not apply to all patients. There is still a risk of bleeding or clotting regardless of timing.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust
RECRUITINGLiverpool, Mersyside, L9 7LJ, United Kingdom
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University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
RECRUITINGPlymouth, Devon, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom