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Warning-sign checks

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy: 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

    A person who is well but worried about a possible past food exposure does not usually need emergency care.

    Seek urgent or emergency help for serious breathing or choking problems, a prolonged seizure, a major injury, loss of consciousness, or sudden stroke-like symptoms.

    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

    For gradual changes, contact the regular clinical team promptly so that symptoms and support needs can be reviewed.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    A routine appointment with a primary care clinician can help review the exposure and explain whether any specific follow-up is appropriate.

    There is currently no preventive medicine or standard test for an asymptomatic person after dietary exposure.

    People with ongoing or worsening neurologic symptoms should arrange medical assessment rather than assuming the cause is vCJD.

    Referral to neurology may be appropriate.

    Bringing a written symptom timeline, travel and residence history, medication list, and details of past transfusions or procedures can help the evaluation.

    For someone being assessed for or living with suspected vCJD, follow-up should address changing symptoms, falls, swallowing, nutrition, communication, caregiver needs, and advance care planning.

    The team may also explain any precautions needed for surgery, tissue handling, or medical instruments.

    Routine social contact does not require isolation.

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