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Warning-sign checks

Thiamine deficiency: 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

    Seek emergency medical help for:

    • New confusion, severe drowsiness, collapse, or difficulty waking
    • New trouble walking together with confusion or abnormal eye movements
    • Severe shortness of breath, blue or grey lips, or rapidly worsening swelling
    • Fainting, chest pain, or signs of severe weakness
    • An unwell baby with poor feeding, breathing difficulty, or unusual sleepiness

    These symptoms are especially concerning after prolonged vomiting, severe food restriction, major weight loss, bariatric surgery, or heavy alcohol use.

    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 prompt medical assessment if you have persistent numbness, burning feet, worsening weakness, balance problems, leg swelling, poor appetite, or unexplained weight loss.

    Repeated vomiting or difficulty keeping food down also needs early assessment, particularly during pregnancy or after digestive surgery.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate once treatment has begun and symptoms are stable.

    Attend planned reviews so recovery, nutrition, and the underlying cause can be monitored.

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