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Warning-sign checks

Fetal alcohol syndrome: 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:

    • A first seizure, a prolonged seizure, or repeated seizures
    • Trouble breathing, severe injury, or suspected alcohol poisoning
    • Severe withdrawal with confusion, hallucinations, or seizures
    • Suicidal behavior or an immediate risk of harm to anyone

    Emergency care is needed for acute medical or safety problems.

    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

    If you drink heavily or develop withdrawal symptoms when you stop, get medical advice promptly.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if a child has persistent concerns involving growth, learning, attention, coordination, communication, or behavior.

    Assessment may be appropriate when prenatal alcohol exposure is known or suspected, although these concerns can have other causes.

    Seek routine follow-up for worsening school performance, sleep problems, anxiety, low mood, hearing or vision concerns, or difficulty with everyday tasks.

    Adults who think a diagnosis was missed can ask about developmental, neuropsychological, or FASD assessment.

The article also says

If you are pregnant and drinking alcohol, contact a prenatal care or addiction service.

Seeking help early can reduce further exposure.

FAS itself is not usually an emergency.

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