sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Upper limb spascity: 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

    Call emergency services if arm stiffness or loss of control begins suddenly with any of the following:

    • New weakness or numbness, especially on one side
    • Facial drooping
    • Trouble speaking or understanding speech
    • Sudden loss of balance, vision changes, or a severe headache

    These can be signs of a stroke.

    Do not drive yourself to hospital.

    Emergency assessment is also appropriate after a serious head, neck, or back injury if you develop new weakness, numbness, breathing difficulty, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

    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

    Seek same-day medical advice if established spasticity becomes much worse and you also have fever, confusion, urinary symptoms, severe unexplained pain, or red and hot skin.

    An infection, wound, or another treatable problem may be triggering the change.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if tightness is new, gradually worsening, or affecting movement, hygiene, sleep, work, or caregiving.

    Arrange review if the fingers are pressing into the palm, the skin is breaking down, or the arm is becoming harder to move.

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