Friedrich Wilhelm von Willebrand

Friedrich Wilhelm von Willebrand was a Danish physician who, in 1926, identified a bleeding disorder that affected multiple family members, now known as von Willebrand disease. This condition is caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of a protein called von Willebrand factor, which helps blood clot properly. Without enough of this protein, individuals may experience prolonged bleeding from cuts, frequent nosebleeds, or heavy menstrual periods. It is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, generally less severe than hemophilia, and can often be managed with medications and careful attention to bleeding risks.