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Warning-sign checks

Arhinencephaly: 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

    These concerns may need urgent assessment, but they are not always emergencies.

    Seek emergency help for severe trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, unresponsiveness, a first or prolonged seizure, repeated seizures without recovery, serious choking, or signs of severe dehydration.

    Families of a person with known seizures or adrenal hormone deficiency should follow the emergency plan provided by their medical team.

    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

    Families should contact the clinical team promptly for new feeding difficulty, repeated coughing with meals, unexplained weight loss, a clear increase in seizures, unusual thirst or urination, repeated vomiting, worsening sleepiness, or loss of previously gained skills.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up should be individualized.

    It may include monitoring growth, nutrition, hydration, development, movement, seizures, vision, hearing, sleep, dental health, and hormone function.

    Medication and feeding plans should be reviewed as the child grows.

The article also says

Genetic counseling can be revisited over time.

Updated testing may become useful as genetic knowledge and laboratory methods improve.

Counseling may also help relatives understand whether testing or pregnancy-related consultation is appropriate.

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