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Warning-sign checks

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: 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

    Get urgent or emergency help for symptoms such as:

    • New chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, or blue or grey lips
    • New one-sided weakness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, or confusion
    • Fainting with injury, or fainting during exertion
    • Inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, or signs of severe dehydration
    • Thoughts of suicide or an immediate risk of self-harm
    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

    These symptoms are not assumed to be part of ME/CFS and need prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have persistent fatigue with PEM, unrefreshing sleep, thinking problems, or upright symptoms that interfere with daily life.

    Assessment is important because several treatable conditions can cause similar symptoms.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is more tired or breathless than usual doing things they used to manage
    • has a symptom that has lasted more than a couple of weeks without improving

The article also says

Seek earlier medical advice if established symptoms change significantly, you are losing weight, you often faint, pain is not controlled, or you are struggling to eat, drink, wash, or move safely.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.