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Warning-sign checks

Brain tumors in adults: 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

    Seek emergency care for a prolonged seizure, repeated seizures without recovery, sudden neurological symptoms, loss of consciousness, or rapidly worsening alertness.

    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

    Contact the treatment team promptly for progressive symptoms, fever during treatment, uncontrolled vomiting, or side effects that interfere with eating, drinking, walking, or taking medicines.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up plans vary by tumor type and treatment.

    Visits may include a neurological examination, review of symptoms and medicines, and MRI scans.

    Scan timing is based on the diagnosis, previous treatment, stability of earlier images, and current symptoms.

The article also says

Keep appointments even when you feel well.

Bring an updated medicine list and note any new seizures, headaches, weakness, balance problems, thinking changes, or treatment side effects.

Ask who to contact between visits if symptoms change.

Driving and work safety should be discussed, particularly after a seizure or when vision, attention, coordination, or judgment is affected.

Rules about driving after seizures vary by location.

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