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
Call emergency services for a first seizure, a seizure lasting five minutes or longer, repeated seizures without recovery, serious breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, or unresponsiveness.
Follow an existing seizure emergency plan if the child has one.
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 assessment if a child:
Loses skills they had previously gained
Develops new or increasingly frequent seizures
Regularly coughs, chokes, or struggles while feeding
Is not gaining weight or has fewer wet nappies than usual
Develops new weakness, unusual stiffness, or reduced alertness
Routine developmental follow-up remains important even when there are no urgent symptoms.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you are concerned about a child's head growth, development, feeding, hearing, vision, movement, or behaviour.
Bring any available growth records.
A single measurement may need to be repeated before conclusions are drawn.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Microcephaly. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.