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 if you develop:
Trouble breathing or swallowing
Rapidly worsening weakness that affects standing or walking
Sudden facial drooping, speech difficulty, or weakness on one side
Fainting, severe chest pain, or severe shortness of breath
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
Arrange a prompt medical assessment if you develop new patchy pain, numbness, or weakness, especially when one hand, foot, or limb is affected differently from the other.
New foot drop, wrist drop, repeated falls, or trouble using your hand should not wait for a routine check-up.
Seek urgent same-day advice if established symptoms are worsening quickly or spreading to new areas.
Fever, a new rash, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, blood in the urine, or marked weakness alongside nerve symptoms may point to a condition affecting more than the nerves.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine follow-up, mention changes in pain, balance, skin condition, daily activities, or medicine side effects.
A sore or blister in an area with reduced sensation also needs timely attention, even if it is not painful.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Multiple peripheral neuritis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.