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
Call emergency services for sudden facial weakness accompanied by any of the following:
Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
Slurred, confused, or difficult speech
Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech
New loss of vision, severe dizziness, or inability to walk
A sudden severe headache
Loss of consciousness or a seizure
These can be signs of a stroke or another neurological emergency.
Note when symptoms began.
Do not drive yourself for emergency assessment.
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
New facial weakness without other stroke signs still needs prompt, same-day medical assessment.
Treatment for Bell's palsy is most useful when started soon after symptoms begin.
Seek urgent eye care if you cannot close the eye and develop pain, marked redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or blurred vision.
These may indicate corneal damage.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange follow-up if weakness is not beginning to improve, is gradually worsening, returns after recovery, or continues to affect eating, speech, eye comfort, or facial movement.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Facial paralysis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.