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Warning-sign checks

Pheochromocytoma: 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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for:

    • Chest pain, severe breathlessness, or fainting
    • Sudden weakness, facial drooping, confusion, or trouble speaking
    • A severe sudden headache with neurological symptoms
    • Seizure or loss of consciousness
    • Severe symptoms with extreme or rapidly changing blood pressure

    Do not drive yourself if you may be having a heart, stroke, or blood pressure emergency.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical advice if you have a known or suspected pheochromocytoma and develop repeated severe symptoms, very high blood pressure readings, or a new irregular heartbeat.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have repeated episodes of headache, sweating, and a pounding heartbeat, especially if blood pressure is high during the episodes.

    These symptoms have many possible causes, so they need assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

    If you have been treated for pheochromocytoma, contact your follow-up team about returning spells, new persistent pain, unexplained weight loss, or changes in blood pressure.

    These symptoms do not necessarily mean the tumor has returned, but they should be reviewed.

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