sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Mononeuropathy: 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 for sudden weakness or numbness accompanied by facial drooping, difficulty speaking, confusion, loss of balance, or a severe unusual headache.

    These can be signs of a stroke rather than an isolated mononeuropathy.

    Emergency help is also needed for weakness affecting breathing or swallowing, or for rapidly spreading paralysis.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    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 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 prompt medical assessment for new foot drop, facial weakness, rapidly increasing weakness, or symptoms following an injury.

    New numbness or pain under a cast, splint, or tight bandage also needs prompt attention, especially if the limb becomes pale, blue, cold, or swollen.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a new severe headache unlike any they have had before
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you have persistent numbness, tingling, nerve-like pain, or weakness in a specific area.

    Earlier assessment is particularly important if symptoms are worsening, interfere with walking or hand use, wake you repeatedly, or are accompanied by muscle wasting.

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