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Warning-sign checks

Laryngeal nerve damage: 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 if you have severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, rapidly worsening stridor, or you cannot speak because you are struggling for air.

    Do not drive yourself if breathing is severely affected.

    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

    Seek urgent medical assessment for new noisy breathing, repeated choking with difficulty recovering, or an inability to swallow liquids.

    New breathing problems after neck or chest surgery also need urgent assessment.

    Contact your care team sooner than planned if swallowing or breathing is getting worse, you develop repeated chest infections, or your voice change is interfering significantly with communication.

    These symptoms do not prove nerve damage, but they should be evaluated.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if a hoarse or changed voice lasts longer than four weeks.

    Earlier assessment is appropriate if the change began after surgery or intubation, or if it occurs with a neck lump, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, or a history of tobacco use.

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