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Warning-sign checks

Glioma-polyposis syndrome: 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

    Seek urgent or emergency help for:

    • A first seizure or a seizure lasting longer than usual
    • Sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty, or loss of vision
    • Loss of consciousness or severe confusion
    • A sudden, extremely severe headache
    • Repeated vomiting with worsening headache or drowsiness
    • Heavy rectal bleeding, black stools, fainting, or marked dizziness
    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

    These symptoms can have causes other than glioma-polyposis syndrome, but they need prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical assessment for persistent bowel bleeding, a lasting change in bowel habits, unexplained anemia, repeated headaches, new balance problems, or gradual changes in memory, behavior, speech, or vision.

The article also says

Medical review is also appropriate if close relatives have had numerous bowel polyps, colorectal cancer at a young age, brain tumors, or a known APC or mismatch-repair gene change.

This does not mean that you have the condition, but it may justify a detailed family-history assessment.

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