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
Call emergency services if you have difficulty breathing, are choking, or cannot swallow saliva.
Emergency care is also needed for severe, continuous spasms accompanied by fever, marked sweating, confusion, extreme exhaustion, or dark urine.
Sudden abnormal movement with facial drooping, weakness, or trouble speaking could be a stroke and also needs emergency assessment.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice if:
Symptoms worsen quickly over hours or days
Swallowing becomes difficult or you repeatedly cough while eating
New weakness, numbness, confusion, or loss of coordination appears
Pain, falls, or reduced movement are increasing
A medicine seems to be causing new movements
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you develop repeated twisting movements, muscle contractions, or abnormal postures that do not have an obvious short-lived cause.
Assessment is also appropriate if a movement began after starting or changing a medicine.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Torsion dystonia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.