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Warning-sign checks

Face pain: 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 if face pain occurs with:

    • New facial drooping, arm weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking
    • Sudden vision loss or severe eye pain with a red eye
    • Rapidly increasing swelling affecting breathing or swallowing
    • A major injury to the face, eye, or jaw
    • A sudden, extremely severe headache

    Any vision change with these symptoms is an emergency.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    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 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 same-day medical or dental care for facial swelling with fever, swelling around an eye, difficulty opening your mouth, or severe dental pain with signs of infection.

    A painful blistering rash on the forehead, eyelid, or nose also needs prompt assessment because shingles can affect the eye.

    If you are over 50, get same-day medical advice for new temple or scalp pain with pain while chewing.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if pain lasts more than several days, keeps returning, worsens, or affects eating, sleeping, or daily activities.

    Persistent numbness, unexplained weight loss, or a lump also needs assessment.

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