sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Amaurosis fugax: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    After the emergency assessment, follow-up may involve an ophthalmologist, neurologist or stroke specialist, primary care clinician, cardiologist, rheumatologist, or vascular surgeon, depending on the findings.

    Seek emergency care again for any new episode of sudden vision loss, even if it resolves.

    Also call emergency services for facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, severe imbalance, or a sudden major change in vision.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Initial care for suspected amaurosis fugax is urgent rather than a routine eye appointment.

    New headache, scalp tenderness, or jaw pain in an adult over age 50—especially with visual symptoms—also requires urgent same-day assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up commonly focuses on test results, medicine safety, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and any recommended heart or artery monitoring.

    Report medication side effects rather than stopping treatment on your own.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate only after time-sensitive causes have been evaluated and a care plan is in place.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Amaurosis fugax. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.