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Warning-sign checks

Chronic subdural hematoma: 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 for a seizure, fainting, new one-sided weakness, new speech difficulty, repeated vomiting, severe confusion, or increasing difficulty waking.

    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 team promptly if headaches, balance, memory, speech, or strength are worsening rather than improving.

    Also seek advice for fever, redness or drainage from a surgical wound, or possible medicine side effects.

    Do not wait for a routine appointment when these symptoms occur.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up plans vary according to symptoms, treatment, scan findings, and other medical conditions.

    Routine follow-up may include a neurological examination, review of walking and daily function, medication decisions, wound care after surgery, and repeat brain imaging.

    Mild fatigue, headache, or reduced confidence with walking can persist for a time, but these symptoms should generally be discussed at planned follow-up.

    Therapy, mobility aids, and changes to the home may reduce fall risk.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a symptom that has lasted more than a couple of weeks without improving

The article also says

Keep an up-to-date list of all medicines and follow instructions about blood thinners carefully.

Do not restart, stop, or change these medicines independently.

Ask who is responsible for the decision and when it will be reviewed.

Recovery may be gradual.

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