Loss of brain function - liver disease: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for a person with liver disease who:

   • Cannot be woken, has a seizure, or has severe new confusion
   • Suddenly cannot speak, move one side, or walk normally
   • Vomits blood or passes black, tar-like stool
   • Has severe breathing difficulty
   • Becomes rapidly less responsive
   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

   Seek same-day medical advice for new confusion, marked personality change, increasing drowsiness, fever, persistent vomiting, worsening jaundice, or a return of previous hepatic encephalopathy symptoms.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate for milder ongoing concerns such as changed sleep, reduced concentration, constipation, repeated loose stools from treatment, or questions about medicines.

   These changes still deserve review, but they are not usually emergencies when the person remains alert and stable.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Loss of brain function - liver disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.