Thrombolytic therapy: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   After discharge, call emergency services for:

   • New stroke signs, such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty
   • Sudden severe headache, seizure, fainting, or unusual drowsiness
   • Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or coughing up blood
   • Bleeding that is heavy or will not stop
   • Vomiting blood or passing black, bloody, or red stools
   • Rapidly increasing swelling or bleeding at a catheter site
   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   While you are in hospital, tell staff immediately about new pain, bleeding, weakness, numbness, confusion, breathing trouble, or swelling.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   For non-urgent concerns, contact your healthcare team during routine hours.

   These include persistent minor bruising, questions about activity or medicines, and uncertainty about follow-up appointments.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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