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Warning-sign checks

Dolichostenomelia: 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:

    • Sudden, severe chest, back, or abdominal pain
    • Sudden breathlessness, collapse, or fainting
    • New weakness on one side, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking

    These symptoms do not come from long limbs themselves.

    They may signal an aortic emergency, stroke, blood clot, or another serious problem, particularly in someone with a known connective-tissue or metabolic condition.

    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

    Seek urgent eye care for a sudden increase in flashes or floating spots, a dark curtain across the vision, or sudden loss of vision.

    These symptoms can occur with a retinal tear or detachment and should not wait for a routine visit.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you or your child has noticeably unusual body proportions, especially when there is also a family history of Marfan syndrome, aortic enlargement, unexplained early aortic surgery, or sudden death at a young age.

    Routine assessment is also appropriate for new or worsening joint pain, spinal curvature, reduced movement, vision changes, or difficulty with physical activities.

    Children whose proportions are changing noticeably can be assessed as part of their growth review.

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