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
Cryptococcal meningitis is a medical emergency once it is suspected.
Seek emergency care now for:
New confusion, severe drowsiness, or loss of consciousness
A seizure
A severe or rapidly worsening headache
Repeated vomiting with headache
Sudden vision loss, weakness, or difficulty speaking
Trouble walking, breathing, or swallowing
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
Get urgent same-day medical assessment for a persistent headache, fever, new vision changes, or unusual behaviour if you have advanced HIV, an organ transplant, cancer treatment, or another cause of severe immune suppression.
During treatment, contact your care team urgently if symptoms return or worsen.
Also report much less urine, severe weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, a new rash, or difficulty taking prescribed medicines.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is used to monitor recovery, blood-test results, immune function, and medicine side effects.
Keep these appointments even if you feel better, because treatment often needs to continue after symptoms improve.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Meningitis - cryptococcal. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.