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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for:
Sudden facial drooping, weakness, numbness, loss of balance, vision change, or trouble speaking
A sudden severe headache with neurological symptoms
Choking, inability to breathe, or inability to swallow saliva
New abnormal movements with loss of consciousness or ongoing seizure activity
High fever, marked stiffness, confusion, or reduced alertness, especially after a medicine change
Thoughts of suicide or an immediate risk of harm
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact a clinician promptly if symptoms are worsening, falls are becoming more frequent, swallowing is difficult, weight is falling without explanation, or a new movement begins after a medicine change.
New confusion, hallucinations, severe depression, or unsafe impulsive behavior also deserves timely assessment.
These symptoms may have causes other than basal ganglia dysfunction, but they require urgent evaluation.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is used to track symptoms, daily function, treatment benefits, and side effects.
The clinician may also review falls, swallowing, sleep, mood, driving, work, and caregiver needs.
Keeping a symptom diary can help show how movements relate to medicine timing, meals, stress, or sleep.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Basal ganglia dysfunction. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.