Vascular malformations of the brain: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for:
A sudden, severe headache that reaches maximum intensity quickly
New weakness, numbness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, or loss of vision
A first seizure, a seizure lasting more than five minutes, or repeated seizures without recovery
Sudden severe confusion, collapse, or loss of consciousness
Severe headache with repeated vomiting, unusual drowsiness, or difficulty walking
Sudden eye swelling, pain, or vision loss, particularly with pulsatile tinnitus
These symptoms can have several causes, but they may indicate bleeding, stroke, or dangerous pressure around the brain.
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
Contact the team sooner if symptoms change rather than waiting for the next planned appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange prompt, non-emergency medical review for a new rhythmic whooshing sound in one ear, recurring unexplained seizures, gradually worsening neurological symptoms, or a major change in an established headache pattern.
For a known, stable malformation, routine follow-up is appropriate when there are no new symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Vascular malformations of the brain. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.