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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIn most cases, it's the complications of antiphospholipid syndrome — such as deep vein thrombosis, stroke or pregnancy loss — that will direct you to seek medical care. Depending on your complication, you'll likely be meeting with a specialist. For deep vein thrombosis, for instance, you'll meet with a hematologist. For stroke, you'll see a neurologist and for pregnancy loss or complications, you'll meet with your obstetrician or gynecologist.
If you have time, prepare for your appointment by making a list of any symptoms you've noticed. It's also a good idea to write down your questions.
Your doctor will have questions, too. To help diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome, your doctor may ask:
- Do you have a history of stroke or blood clots?
- Do you have a history of pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure, miscarriage or stillbirth?
- Do you have lupus or another autoimmune disorder?
- Have you experienced frequent headaches or migraines?
- Have you noticed a red, net-like rash on your wrists or knees?
- Ahmed K, et al. Postpartum spontaneous colonic perforation due to antiphospholipid syndrome. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2009;15:502.
- Antiphospholipid syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/antiphosphlipid/antiphospholipid.htm. Accessed Jan. 21, 2009.
- Learning about antiphospholipid syndrome. National Human Genome Research Institute. http://www.genome.gov/pfv.cfm?pageID=17516396. Accessed Jan. 21, 2009.
- Antiphospholipid syndrome. Washington, D.C.: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2008 Compendium of Selected Publications. 2008.
- Pruthi RK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 5, 2009.
- Bermas BL, et al. Diagnosis of the antiphospholipid syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 5, 2009.
