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Warning-sign checks

Mastoiditis: 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

    Go to an emergency department or call emergency services if there is:

    • A seizure, fainting, confusion, or difficulty waking
    • A severe headache with neck stiffness
    • New facial weakness or weakness in an arm or leg
    • Loss of balance with marked illness
    • Repeated vomiting with severe headache
    • Difficulty breathing or rapidly worsening illness
    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent same-day medical assessment if you or your child has redness, pain, tenderness, or swelling behind an ear, especially if the ear is being pushed outward.

    This is particularly important when there is fever, ear discharge, worsening ear pain, or a recent middle ear infection.

    During treatment, tell the hospital team promptly if pain, fever, swelling, headache, hearing, or alertness worsens.

    Routine follow-up is still important after the urgent infection has settled.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange the recommended review for wound checks, hearing tests, or monitoring of chronic ear disease.

    Seek a non-emergency appointment if ear discharge, reduced hearing, or discomfort continues or returns.

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