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Warning-sign checks

Movement - uncoordinated: 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 sudden, new loss of coordination, particularly if it occurs with:

    • Facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, or numbness
    • New trouble speaking, understanding, or seeing
    • A severe or unusual headache
    • Confusion, collapse, seizure, or loss of consciousness
    • Inability to stand or walk safely
    • Symptoms after a significant head injury
    • Severe drowsiness, slowed breathing, or possible overdose

    These signs can occur with stroke or another time-sensitive condition.

    Note when the symptoms started, and do not drive yourself for care.

    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 if coordination has recently worsened, you are falling repeatedly, or symptoms began after starting or changing a medicine.

    A child with a new unsteady walk or unexplained loss of coordination should also receive prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if mild symptoms persist, keep returning, or gradually worsen.

    Assessment is also appropriate if coordination problems interfere with work, school, driving, or everyday tasks.

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