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
These changes do not always represent an emergency, but they should not wait until the next annual assessment.
Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, collapse, a seizure lasting longer than expected under an existing care plan, or sudden inability to move an arm or leg.
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 urgent medical advice for:
Increasing breathing difficulty or repeated pauses in breathing during sleep
New weakness, numbness, clumsiness, or balance problems
A sudden decline in walking or hand control
Persistent severe headache, repeated vomiting, or unusual drowsiness
New bladder or bowel control problems with back or neck symptoms
After a significant fall or neck injury, urgent assessment may be needed, especially if the person has known spinal instability or develops pain, weakness, or altered sensation.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical review if there are new or gradually worsening problems such as reduced stamina, joint pain, changes in walking, snoring, daytime sleepiness, hearing or vision changes, headaches, or loss of previously learned skills.
And for anyone, someone who:
is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Mucopolysaccharidoses. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.