Meningocele repair: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, inability to wake the person normally, a seizure lasting longer than instructed in an existing seizure plan, or sudden severe weakness.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the incision.

   Also call for a new soft swelling near the repair, clear watery leakage, repeated vomiting, trouble passing urine, or new changes in movement, sensation, bladder control, or bowel control.

   Any fever in a young infant needs prompt medical advice.

   Seek urgent assessment if the wound opens, fluid is continuously leaking, or the sac is injured before surgery.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine questions about bathing, activity, school, work, or a planned wound review can usually wait for normal clinic hours.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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