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Warning-sign checks

Primary visual agnosia: 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 if the problem begins suddenly, particularly with facial drooping, arm weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, severe imbalance, confusion, vision loss, or an unusual severe headache.

    Do not drive yourself for assessment.

    Emergency help is also appropriate after a significant head injury, during or after a seizure, or if recognition difficulty occurs with reduced 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
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange a routine but prompt medical assessment if recognition problems develop gradually, keep returning, or interfere with daily tasks.

    An eye examination alone may not identify the problem, so unexplained difficulty understanding what you see should also be discussed with a medical professional.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    If visual agnosia has already been diagnosed, seek routine follow-up when symptoms change, current adaptations stop working, or daily activities become less safe.

The article also says

Sudden difficulty recognizing objects can be a sign of stroke, even when eyesight seems normal.

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