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
Call emergency services for:
Sudden facial drooping, one-sided weakness, or difficulty speaking, which may be a stroke
Severe breathing difficulty or an inability to swallow safely
Loss of consciousness, a prolonged seizure, or sudden severe confusion
Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial swelling and breathing difficulty
Immediate danger from suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis
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
Seek prompt medical advice for a new neurological symptom lasting more than 24 hours, such as reduced vision, new weakness, persistent numbness, or worsening balance.
Infection, fever, overheating, and other conditions can temporarily worsen old symptoms, so an assessment may be needed before calling it a relapse.
Get urgent advice if you take a treatment that affects immunity and develop fever, a spreading rash, unusual shortness of breath, or signs of a significant infection.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment with your MS team or usual healthcare professional if you notice gradual changes in walking, bladder control, pain, fatigue, memory, mood, or ability to manage daily tasks.
Also report treatment side effects, repeated falls, or symptoms that are not well controlled.
The article also says
Sudden symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be MS.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on MS (multiple sclerosis). If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.