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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help if involuntary movement begins suddenly, especially with facial drooping, one-sided weakness, severe headache, loss of speech, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
These may indicate stroke or another acute brain problem.
Emergency help is also appropriate for severe breathing difficulty, ongoing choking, a serious injury, or an immediate risk of self-harm.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your care team promptly if you have:
New choking, coughing during meals, or unplanned weight loss
More frequent falls or difficulty managing safely at home
A major change in mood, behaviour, confusion, or sleep
Side effects after starting or changing a medicine
Symptoms worsening much faster than expected
Suicidal thoughts deserve urgent support even if they have occurred before.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical assessment for unexplained involuntary movements, increasing clumsiness, repeated falls, or gradual changes in speech, mood, behaviour, or thinking.
Early assessment may identify a treatable cause and provides a starting point for monitoring.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Degenerative chorea. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.