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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services now for any new focal neurologic deficit that begins suddenly.
This applies even if the symptom is mild or has already gone away.
Emergency warning signs include:
One side of the face drooping
New weakness or numbness on one side
New trouble speaking or understanding speech
Sudden loss of vision or double vision
Sudden severe difficulty walking or coordinating movements
A sudden, unusually severe headache with neurologic symptoms
Weakness after a seizure or head or neck injury
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Arrange prompt same-day medical advice for a new symptom that developed more gradually, is unexplained, or keeps returning.
Seek urgent help instead if weakness, speech trouble, facial drooping, or vision loss appears.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a new severe headache unlike any they have had before
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment for longstanding, unchanged symptoms in a small area, such as recurring hand tingling linked to certain positions.
The article also says
Do not drive yourself.
Note when the person was last known to be without symptoms.
This timing can affect which stroke treatments may be considered.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Focal neurologic deficits. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.