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Warning-sign checks

Cerebral hypoxia: 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

    Call emergency services for another loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, chest pain with collapse, a seizure lasting several minutes or repeated seizures without recovery, sudden one-sided weakness, or new inability to speak.

    Possible repeat carbon monoxide exposure also requires immediate movement to fresh air and emergency guidance, without re-entering the suspected area.

    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

    Seek prompt medical advice for new or worsening headaches, memory problems, weakness, balance changes, mood symptoms, fainting, or possible medication side effects.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up depends on the cause, severity, and symptoms that remain after hospital care.

    Appointments may involve primary care, neurology, cardiology, lung specialists, rehabilitation medicine, mental health care, or therapy services.

    Routine follow-up should address thinking and memory, sleep, mood, mobility, swallowing, seizures, return to work or school, and the ability to drive safely.

    Family members may notice changes that the recovering person does not recognize, so their observations can be useful.

The article also says

Take medicines only as directed, and do not stop seizure or heart medicines without speaking with the prescribing clinician.

Ask when exercise, driving, alcohol use, work, and independent living are considered safe.

Prevention may include treating the underlying heart or lung condition, using carbon monoxide alarms, following water-safety practices, and receiving help for substance use when relevant.

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