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Warning-sign checks

Malignant otitis externa: 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 emergency medical help for:

    • New facial drooping or weakness
    • Double vision or difficulty moving an eye
    • New trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing
    • Confusion, fainting, or unusual drowsiness
    • A severe or rapidly worsening headache
    • Severe illness with shaking, breathlessness, or very low alertness

    These symptoms can indicate involvement of nearby nerves, blood vessels, or tissues within the skull.

    They need immediate assessment.

    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

    Arrange same-day medical assessment if you have severe or persistent ear pain and any of the following:

    • Diabetes or a weakened immune system
    • Ongoing discharge from the ear
    • Pain that is especially intense at night
    • Symptoms worsening despite prescribed ear treatment
    • A previous history of malignant otitis externa

    If you are already receiving treatment, contact your care team promptly if pain or discharge returns, symptoms are not improving as expected, or you cannot take your antibiotics.

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