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 for:
A seizure lasting about five minutes, or longer than the emergency plan allows
Repeated seizures without recovery between them
Severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, or inability to breathe
Choking when the airway cannot be cleared
Unresponsiveness or a serious injury during a seizure
If there is an existing emergency plan, follow it while help is being arranged.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical advice for:
A first seizure
A clear increase in seizure frequency
Fever with coughing, rapid breathing, or unusual sleepiness
Repeated vomiting or signs of dehydration
New difficulty swallowing food, drink, or medicine
A sudden decline that is not typical for the person
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up if there are gradual changes in movement, feeding, sleep, communication, behaviour, or seizure control.
New falls, increasing stiffness, weight loss, coughing during meals, or difficulty using equipment should also be discussed.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gangliosidosis GM2 type 2. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.