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 severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, loss of consciousness, a prolonged seizure, or choking that blocks breathing.
Follow any existing seizure, respiratory, or choking emergency plan while help is arriving.
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 care for:
Repeated choking or sudden inability to swallow safely
A new seizure, or a seizure lasting longer than the person’s emergency plan allows
Signs of dehydration or inability to keep down fluids
Fever with worsening cough, chest discomfort, or unusual breathing difficulty
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine review if there are new or gradually worsening problems with walking, falls, pain, stiffness, vision, communication, eating, sleep, or daily activities.
Coughing during meals, unexplained weight loss, morning headaches, restless sleep, or increasing daytime sleepiness should also be assessed because they may point to swallowing or breathing changes.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Giant axonal disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.