Deep brain stimulation: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency help for sudden weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulty, or a seizure lasting more than five minutes.

   Also seek emergency help for repeated seizures without recovery between them.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact the surgical team urgently for a worsening severe headache, repeated vomiting, new confusion, fever, increasing redness or swelling, drainage from an incision, an opening wound, or visible hardware.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Mild stimulation effects that are not rapidly worsening can usually be discussed during office hours.

   Contact the programming team rather than changing settings unless you have been specifically taught how to use your patient controller.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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