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Warning-sign checks

Acromegaly: 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

    Seek emergency care for sudden severe headache, sudden loss of vision, double vision with vomiting, confusion, fainting, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or sudden one-sided weakness.

    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

    Contact the treating clinician promptly for a new or worsening headache, gradual vision changes, increasing weakness, or symptoms suggesting a medication side effect.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Acromegaly requires long-term follow-up, including after apparently successful surgery.

    Hormone levels can remain elevated after treatment or, less commonly, rise again later.

    Routine follow-up may include IGF-1 testing, and sometimes growth hormone testing, to assess disease activity.

    Pituitary MRI may be repeated based on the original tumor, the treatment used, hormone results, and any new symptoms.

    People who have had surgery or radiation may also need ongoing tests for low pituitary hormone levels.

    Follow-up care may address blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep apnea, heart health, joint function, vision, thyroid findings, and recommended colon screening.

    Some physical changes improve gradually after hormone levels are controlled.

    Bone enlargement may remain, while sweating, soft-tissue swelling, headaches, and sleep symptoms may improve more noticeably.

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