Von recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   These symptoms usually do not require emergency care, but they deserve assessment.

   Call emergency services for sudden loss of vision, sudden one-sided weakness, a first seizure, loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulty, or a rapidly worsening neurological problem.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   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 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

   Seek prompt medical advice for:

   • A lump that grows quickly, becomes hard, or causes persistent pain
   • New weakness, numbness, poor balance, or difficulty walking
   • Changes in eyesight, colour vision, or eye position
   • New or worsening bone pain, spinal curvature, or limb bowing
   • Repeated severe headaches or symptoms of very high blood pressure
   • Early puberty or an unexpected change in growth

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a new severe headache unlike any they have had before
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine review if you notice a new lump, changes in existing neurofibromas, increasing pain, persistent headaches, changes in growth, or new problems with learning, attention, sleep, or mood.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Von recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.