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
Seek emergency medical care for new facial weakness, difficulty waking, confusion, a severe headache with neck stiffness, fainting, trouble breathing, or continuous clear watery fluid from the ear or wound.
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
Call the team promptly for:
Increasing pain, redness, warmth, or swelling around the wound
Fever or feeling increasingly unwell
Thick, foul-smelling, or increasing ear drainage
Bleeding that does not settle
Persistent vomiting or worsening dizziness
A wound that opens
New or worsening hearing loss
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine questions, contact your surgical team if you are unsure about dressings, ear packing, bathing, medicines, work, or follow-up appointments.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Mastoidectomy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.