Professor Martin Cormican:

One thing that is important to say about this is that it is an unusual pattern of disease. The HSE has been working on getting information out throughout its structures and to the general practice community about what to watch out for in the event that this rare event happens. It is important that if people have symptoms such as severe headaches, visual disturbances or abdominal pain, they go to see their doctors. We have worked with general practice and with emergency departments to make sure that if patients get those symptoms, if they go to get attention, there is a pathway in place to make sure that there is care. There are two parts to that. It is a rare complication but it is important and we have worked with colleagues to make sure that we have a process in place to try to fast-track those who get this complication to get treatment which improves their chances of doing well. It is a rare complication.

The fact that somebody has had a clot in the past is a common source of questions. This is a different pattern of disease. It is not more likely to occur in somebody who had a clot in his or her leg in the past. It is a specific type of condition. It is important for people to be aware that although it is rare, if they get those symptoms, they should go to their doctor. We have worked to make sure that care is provided to them as quickly as possible, for hopefully a very small number of people.