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Warning-sign checks

Motor neuron disease: 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 for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, loss of consciousness, or choking that blocks the airway.

    Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty also needs emergency assessment for a possible stroke, even if you have MND.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    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 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

    If you already have MND, contact your care team promptly about increasing breathlessness, morning headaches, poor sleep, weight loss, repeated coughing during meals, or difficulty clearing mucus.

    These may require an earlier breathing or swallowing assessment.

    Seek urgent medical help for:

    • Rapidly worsening breathlessness
    • Repeated choking or inability to swallow fluids
    • Signs of dehydration
    • Fever, cough, and breathing changes after a choking episode

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a new severe headache unlike any they have had before
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you develop unexplained weakness, muscle wasting, persistent speech changes, repeated tripping, or swallowing problems.

    These symptoms often have causes other than MND, but they should be assessed.

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