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Warning-sign checks

Muscle function loss: 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 muscle function is lost suddenly, especially when it affects the face, arm, or leg on one side.

    Sudden speech trouble, confusion, vision loss, severe dizziness, or loss of balance can also be signs of a stroke.

    Even symptoms that clear within minutes need emergency assessment.

    Get emergency help for:

    • New difficulty breathing, swallowing, speaking, or holding up your head
    • Weakness or loss of movement spreading quickly through the body
    • Loss of movement after a serious head, neck, or back injury
    • New leg weakness with loss of bladder or bowel control
    • Leg weakness with numbness around the genitals, buttocks, or inner thighs
    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 same-day medical care if new loss develops over hours, steadily worsens, spreads to other muscles, or makes walking unsafe.

    A brief “dead arm” or “dead leg” from pressure should be checked if normal movement and feeling do not return promptly.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if a milder problem persists, keeps returning, or interferes with work, sleep, exercise, or everyday tasks.

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