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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek urgent or emergency help if sudden stuttering occurs with signs that could indicate a stroke or serious brain problem, including:
Facial drooping or weakness on one side
Arm or leg weakness or numbness
New confusion or difficulty understanding speech
A sudden severe headache
Loss of balance, collapse, or reduced awareness
Symptoms beginning after a significant head injury
Call emergency services rather than waiting for a routine speech appointment when these signs are present.
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
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine assessment with a speech-language pathologist if a child has repeated sounds, stretched sounds, blocks, visible tension, or concern about speaking.
Assessment is also appropriate if stuttering is continuing, increasing, or affecting school, friendships, or confidence.
An adult should arrange medical assessment if stuttering begins for the first time, particularly if there has been a recent medication change, head injury, or neurological illness.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Stuttering. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.