sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site

Warning-sign checks

Craniopharyngioma: 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 urgent or emergency care for:

    • Sudden loss or major worsening of vision
    • A severe or rapidly worsening headache with repeated vomiting
    • New confusion, extreme drowsiness, fainting, or a seizure
    • Collapse, severe weakness, or confusion when cortisol may be low
    • Inability to keep down essential hormone medicines during illness
    • Extreme thirst and urination followed by weakness, dizziness, or reduced alertness

    If you have an emergency steroid like prednisone or hydrocortisone card or medical alert information, take it with you and show it to the emergency 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

    If you have already been treated, contact your specialist team promptly about new vision changes, increasing headaches, rapid weight change, worsening thirst and urination, or difficulty taking prescribed hormone replacement.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you develop persistent headaches, gradual vision changes, unexplained thirst or urination, menstrual changes, sexual difficulties, unusual fatigue, or concerns about a child's growth or puberty.

    These symptoms have many possible causes, but they deserve assessment if they continue.

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