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Warning-sign checks

Pituitary apoplexy: 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 a sudden severe headache accompanied by any of the following:

    • New loss of vision, double vision or a drooping eyelid
    • Confusion, fainting, extreme drowsiness or a seizure
    • Repeated vomiting, marked weakness or collapse
    • New difficulty speaking, moving or staying awake

    These symptoms can have several causes, including pituitary apoplexy, stroke, meningitis or bleeding around the brain.

    They need immediate assessment rather than a routine appointment.

    Do not drive yourself to hospital.

    If you have already been diagnosed with pituitary apoplexy, seek urgent help for worsening vision, increasing sleepiness, persistent vomiting or symptoms from your adrenal emergency plan.

    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

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    These can be reviewed through routine pituitary follow-up.

The article also says

Contact your usual healthcare team for non-emergency concerns such as ongoing fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, menstrual changes, sexual difficulties, medication questions or gradual changes in headache.

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