Idiopathic basal ganglia calcification: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Gradual changes usually need planned assessment rather than emergency care.
Seek emergency help for:
Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, or loss of coordination
A first seizure, a seizure lasting several minutes, or repeated seizures without recovery
Severe breathing difficulty or choking that does not clear
Sudden severe confusion, loss of consciousness, or a serious fall with head injury
Thoughts of suicide or an immediate risk of harm
They need emergency 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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
If you already have the condition, seek prompt advice when symptoms begin affecting eating, walking, work, driving, medicine use, or daily safety.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you develop persistent changes in movement, balance, memory, mood, behavior, or speech.
Review is also appropriate after an unexplained fall, a possible seizure, or new swallowing difficulty.
The article also says
Sudden stroke-like symptoms should not be assumed to come from existing calcification.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Idiopathic basal ganglia calcification. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.