Multiple system atrophy - parkinsonian type: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
These issues may not be emergencies, but earlier assessment can make them easier to manage.
Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, choking that does not clear, loss of consciousness without quick recovery, or a serious injury.
These symptoms also require emergency 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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical advice for:
New or worsening noisy breathing, especially during sleep
Repeated fainting or a faint that causes injury
Inability to pass urine or painful lower abdominal swelling
Fever, confusion, or pain with possible urinary infection
Frequent coughing during meals or signs of dehydration
Rapidly worsening weakness or repeated falls
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up if your movement, balance, blood pressure, bladder control, sleep, speech, or swallowing is changing.
Report new falls, medication side effects, increasing care needs, or difficulty managing daily activities.
The article also says
Sudden facial weakness, one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, or a sudden severe headache may be signs of a stroke rather than MSA progression.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Multiple system atrophy - parkinsonian type. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.