Question

A 72-year-old man with atrial fibrillation and a recent ischaemic stroke presents with a large intracerebral haemorrhage. Anticoagulation is reversed. In considering resumption of anticoagulation in the future, what is the MOST important principle?

Accepted Answer

Risk-benefit assessment should consider stroke risk, bleeding risk and haemorrhage aetiology, often involving specialist input

Answer

Anticoagulation should never be restarted after any intracerebral haemorrhage

Answer

Anticoagulation must be restarted within 48 hours in all patients

Answer

Switching to dual antiplatelet therapy removes bleeding risk

Answer

Using low-dose aspirin alone provides equivalent stroke prevention

Practice question

A 72-year-old man with atrial fibrillation and a recent ischaemic stroke presents with a large intracerebral haemorrhage. Anticoagulation is reversed. In considering resumption of anticoagulation in the future, what is the MOST important principle?