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Warning-sign checks

Spinal chordoma: 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

    They require emergency assessment because delayed treatment may increase the risk of permanent nerve damage.

    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

    If you have been treated for chordoma, contact your specialist team promptly about new or progressive symptoms, even between planned follow-up visits.

    Seek urgent medical help for:

    • New difficulty passing urine or sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
    • Numbness around the genitals, buttocks, or inner thighs
    • Rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs
    • New inability to walk or marked loss of balance
    • Severe spinal pain following a minor injury, especially with weakness or numbness

    These symptoms can indicate spinal cord or cauda equina compression.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical assessment if you have persistent focal back, neck, tailbone, or pelvic pain that is getting worse or not improving.

    New numbness, tingling, weakness, a growing lump, constipation, or changes in urination also need assessment.

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