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Warning-sign checks

Linguofacial dyskinesia: 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 if:

    • You cannot breathe, are choking, or your lips or skin turn blue or grey
    • You suddenly cannot swallow saliva or keep your airway clear
    • Facial change occurs with sudden weakness, numbness, severe imbalance, or speech loss
    • New movements occur with high fever, severe stiffness, confusion, or reduced awareness

    Repetitive movements without breathing, swallowing, or other sudden neurologic problems are usually assessed through routine or prompt outpatient care rather than emergency care.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    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 you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice after a recent medicine change if you develop painful jaw clenching, sustained tongue protrusion, neck pulling, or difficulty opening your mouth.

    These symptoms may represent acute dystonia, which is treated differently.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you develop new or persistent tongue, lip, jaw, or facial movements.

    Bring a complete medicine list, including medicines you have stopped and non-prescription products.

    An earlier appointment is appropriate if the movements are worsening, causing mouth injuries, or affecting eating or speech.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

The article also says

Sudden one-sided facial weakness is not typical linguofacial dyskinesia and may be a sign of stroke.

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