Hypotonia-hypomentia-hypogonadism-obesity 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Get urgent or emergency help for:
Trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or difficulty waking
Choking or suspected food inhalation
A swollen or firm abdomen
Severe or increasing abdominal pain
Vomiting, especially because vomiting is uncommon in this condition
Sudden loss of appetite with abdominal symptoms or marked lethargy
Collapse, seizure, or a serious injury
Thoughts or actions suggesting immediate risk of self-harm
Tell emergency staff that the person has Prader-Willi syndrome, reduced pain sensitivity, and may not show typical signs of serious illness.
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
Seek prompt medical advice for fever, reduced alertness, new weakness, persistent constipation, swelling, or a clear change from usual behaviour.
Pain and fever may be less noticeable in Prader-Willi syndrome.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical follow-up for changes in weight, sleep, mobility, skin picking, menstrual patterns, puberty, behaviour, or ability to manage daily activities.
New daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, or a major change in food seeking also deserves assessment.