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Warning-sign checks

Hypothalamic dysfunction: 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 collapse, loss of consciousness, seizures, severe confusion, signs of shock, or suspected adrenal crisis.

    Signs of adrenal crisis may include profound weakness, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, low blood pressure, or fainting, especially in someone with known adrenal or pituitary hormone deficiency.

    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

    New headaches, vomiting, or vision changes need prompt assessment, especially with a known tumor.

    Seek urgent medical care for:

    • Rapidly increasing thirst and urination with signs of dehydration
    • Repeated vomiting that prevents you taking essential hormone medicine
    • New confusion, marked drowsiness, or unusual behaviour
    • A severe headache with new vision loss or double vision
    • A very high or low body temperature that does not improve
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you develop persistent unexplained changes in thirst, urination, weight, appetite, periods, sexual function, sleep, or temperature tolerance.

    Follow-up is also appropriate for ongoing fatigue, slow growth in a child, or symptoms that begin after a brain injury or treatment near the pituitary.

The article also says

If you already have hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction, contact your care team when symptoms change or prescribed treatment no longer seems to control them.

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