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Warning-sign checks

RHS: 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 facial drooping accompanied by signs that could indicate a stroke, including:

    • Arm or leg weakness or numbness
    • Slurred, confused, or lost speech
    • Sudden severe headache
    • New loss of coordination, collapse, or confusion

    Emergency assessment is also appropriate for seizures, marked drowsiness, widespread weakness, or a rapidly spreading blistering rash in someone with a severely weakened immune system.

    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 urgent, same-day medical assessment for new one-sided facial weakness, especially with ear pain or blisters.

    Treatment may be most useful when started early, and other causes must be considered.

    Seek urgent eye care if you cannot close the eye fully or develop eye pain, increasing redness, light sensitivity, or blurred vision.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is important if facial movement is not improving, pain continues after the rash heals, or hearing and balance problems interfere with daily life.

    These symptoms are not usually emergencies, but they may need specialist support.

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