Neck dissection: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, heavy or uncontrolled bleeding, sudden one-sided weakness, severe chest pain, or loss of consciousness.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical advice for a fever with worsening wound changes, rapidly increasing neck swelling, repeated vomiting, new voice or swallowing changes, or milky fluid collecting in a drain.

   Do not wait for a routine appointment for these symptoms.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   For routine concerns, contact your surgical team during normal hours if pain is not improving, the wound becomes more red or tender, drainage develops, a drain stops working, or eating and drinking remain difficult.

   Also report increasing shoulder weakness or swelling that persists.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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