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Warning-sign checks

Neuralgia: 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 nerve-like pain accompanied by:

    • Sudden facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, or difficulty speaking
    • New loss of bladder or bowel control
    • Numbness around the genitals or buttocks
    • Rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs
    • Sudden loss of vision, confusion, or an unusually severe headache

    These symptoms can indicate stroke, serious spinal nerve compression, or another emergency rather than uncomplicated neuralgia.

    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 prompt medical advice if you have a new shingles rash on the face, near an eye, or around an ear.

    Early treatment may reduce complications.

    Rapidly worsening numbness, unexplained weight loss, fever, or new difficulty walking also needs prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you develop repeated shooting, burning, or electric-shock pain, particularly if it follows the same path each time.

    Assessment is also appropriate if pain persists after a shingles rash, ordinary pain relief is not helping, or symptoms interfere with sleep or daily activities.

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