Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency medical care for:
Sudden or rapidly worsening loss of vision
New weakness, paralysis, or inability to walk
Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or staying awake
Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control with weakness or numbness
Severe symptoms after starting treatment, such as breathing difficulty or facial swelling
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your NMOSD team or seek same-day medical assessment for new eye pain, blurred vision, spreading numbness, increasing muscle weakness, or repeated unexplained vomiting or hiccups.
Persistent vomiting also needs prompt attention because it can cause dehydration.
Fever, severe headache, a stiff neck, unusual confusion, or a rapidly worsening illness needs urgent assessment if you take immune-suppressing treatment.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a new severe headache unlike any they have had before
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is the right place to discuss stable pain, fatigue, spasms, bladder symptoms, rehabilitation needs, treatment monitoring, vaccinations, or pregnancy planning.
The article also says
New neurological symptoms may represent an attack, and early treatment can matter.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.