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Warning-sign checks

Cogan type ocular motor apraxia: 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 a sudden eye movement problem accompanied by facial drooping, one-sided weakness, difficulty speaking, severe headache, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizure, or inability to walk.

    These symptoms may indicate an acute neurological problem.

    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 if there is clear worsening, loss of developmental skills, new weakness, increasing falls, seizures, swallowing difficulty, or a new decline in vision.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may involve pediatric ophthalmology or neuro-ophthalmology, with neurology, genetics, developmental pediatrics, or rehabilitation services added when needed.

    The schedule depends on age, symptoms, test results, and whether other conditions are being considered.

    At planned visits, clinicians may review eye alignment, vision, head movements, balance, school performance, development, and neck comfort.

    Reassessment is also useful when a child starts reading, changes schools, or begins activities with greater visual demands.

The article also says

Sudden difficulty moving the eyes is not the usual presentation of congenital Cogan type oculomotor apraxia.

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