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Warning-sign checks

Weakness: 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 now if weakness:

    • Starts suddenly, especially on one side of the face or body
    • Occurs with trouble speaking, confusion, vision loss, or a severe new headache
    • Affects breathing, swallowing, or the ability to hold up your head
    • Follows a serious head, neck, or back injury
    • Occurs with new loss of bladder or bowel control or numbness around the groin
    • Comes with fainting, severe chest pain, or inability to stand or walk

    Note when the symptoms began, because timing can affect emergency treatment.

    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
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical advice for weakness that is new and worsening over hours or days, spreads to other areas, or causes repeated falls.

    Fever, severe back pain, persistent vomiting, or marked drowsiness alongside weakness also needs prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if weakness lasts, keeps returning, limits daily activities, or began after starting or changing a medicine.

    Gradual unexplained muscle loss should also be checked.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is more tired or breathless than usual doing things they used to manage

The article also says

Do not drive yourself if sudden weakness could make driving unsafe.

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