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Warning-sign checks

Movement - uncontrolled or slow: 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 if movement changes begin suddenly with any of these symptoms:

    • Weakness or numbness on one side
    • A drooping face or difficulty speaking
    • Severe confusion, collapse, or loss of consciousness
    • A seizure that does not stop, or repeated seizures without recovery
    • Trouble breathing or swallowing
    • Severe headache, especially after a head injury

    These signs can indicate a stroke, seizure emergency, serious injury, or another condition requiring immediate assessment.

    Do not drive yourself.

    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 same-day medical advice for a new movement problem that is rapidly worsening, started after a new medicine or dose change, or occurs with fever, marked stiffness, agitation, or unusual sleepiness.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if the movement lasts, keeps returning, becomes more noticeable, or interferes with eating, writing, walking, work, sleep, or personal care.

    You should also book an appointment if slow movement is accompanied by ongoing stiffness, balance problems, or falls.

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