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Warning-sign checks

Femoral nerve dysfunction: 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 urgent or emergency care if sudden weakness or numbness occurs with:

    • Severe groin, pelvic, abdominal, or lower-back pain
    • New swelling or a rapidly enlarging bruise
    • Faintness, unusual weakness, or signs of significant bleeding
    • Recent pelvic surgery, injury, or a femoral artery procedure
    • Use of an anticoagulant, especially when severe pain is present
    • Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the genitals
    • Facial weakness, arm weakness, speech trouble, or confusion

    These combinations may point to internal bleeding, spinal nerve compression, stroke, or another problem needing immediate assessment.

    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

    Arrange a prompt medical assessment for new thigh numbness, difficulty straightening your knee, repeated knee buckling, or unexplained weakness.

    These symptoms have several possible causes and should be examined rather than self-diagnosed.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    During routine follow-up, report worsening weakness, more frequent falls, new skin injuries in numb areas, or problems using a brace or walking aid.

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