Friedreich ataxia: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency help for chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting, or a sustained fast or irregular heartbeat with dizziness.

   Severe confusion, repeated vomiting, deep rapid breathing, or marked drowsiness alongside symptoms of high blood sugar also need 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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Request a prompt medical review for new or worsening:

   • Falls, weakness, pain, or loss of mobility
   • Palpitations, breathlessness, ankle swelling, or reduced exercise tolerance
   • Choking, coughing during meals, weight loss, or repeated chest infections
   • Increased thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight change
   • Hearing, vision, mood, or sleep problems
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange routine follow-up with your care team even if symptoms seem stable.

   Heart changes and diabetes may not cause early warning signs.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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