About the Medical Alert Bracelet for Von Willebrand Disease

Medical alert IDs that are incorporated into a bracelet or other jewelry save lives. They provide concise yet critical medical information to first responders, nurses and physicians at times when people who have von Willebrand's disease or other conditions such as diabetes can't speak for themselves. Medical alert jewelry comes in an array of styles and types. Beaded and metallic designer bracelets are popular forms of medical alert IDs. Medical alert necklaces, sports bands and watches also are available.

Von Willebrand's disease is caused by defects in--or a lack of--a key blood protein that helps form clots to control bleeding. Fittingly, the protein is called von Willebrand factor. The majority of von Willebrand's disease cases fall under a mild to moderate classification, though the condition can be deadly in rare occasions. Symptoms often include bloody gums, easy bruising and frequent nosebleeds. Women are affected more often, with heavy menstrual bleeding a common complaint.

The disease is named after Finnish physician Erik von Willebrand, who in 1925 became the first to fully realize that this bleeding disorder was different than hemophilia. In recent decades, three major types of von Willebrand's disease have been identified. These categories are based on an individual's quantity and quality of von Willebrand factor.

Many people don't even know that they have von Willebrand's disease. A good number of physicians and other health care providers also don't recognize or tend to overlook this condition's telltale signs.

While there is no cure for von Willebrand's disease, this disorder is relatively easy to treat once a diagnosis is made. Current therapies include nasal sprays that increase the body's stockpile of von Willebrand factor, reducing the potential for uncontrolled bleeding. These medications are typically prescribed before a von Willebrand's disease patient has a dental procedure or participates in rough-and-tumble activities. People with severe symptoms also may receive infusions of von Willebrand factor, which is called replacement therapy. Wearing a medical alert bracelet is another important aspect of properly managing von Willebrand's disease. These bracelets and similar types of jewelry represent a convenient way to ensure that medical professionals would be aware of your condition during a life-threatening emergency.