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Warning-sign checks

Cerebral palsy: 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 help for severe trouble breathing, blue or gray skin, serious choking, a major injury, or a seizure lasting longer than the person's emergency plan allows.

    Emergency care is also appropriate for repeated seizures without recovery between them.

    Families of people with epilepsy should follow their individualized seizure action plan.

    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 a clinician promptly for new or increasing pain, reduced mobility, worsening swallowing, repeated coughing during meals, unexplained weight change, new seizures, loss of skills, or a major change in alertness or behavior.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up should address movement, comfort, equipment, nutrition, communication, learning, sleep, emotional health, and participation at home, school, work, and in the community.

    Children may need closer review during growth spurts.

    Adults may need reassessment if pain, fatigue, mobility, caregiving needs, or living circumstances change.

The article also says

Equipment and braces should be checked for fit.

Seizure treatment, muscle-tone treatment, and feeding plans should be reviewed for benefit and unwanted effects.

Preventive care such as vaccinations, dental care, vision testing, and age-appropriate health screening remains important.

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