Neurosyphilis: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for symptoms that could indicate a stroke or another acute brain problem, including:

   • Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, or difficulty speaking
   • Sudden loss of vision
   • A first seizure or a seizure lasting longer than expected
   • Severe confusion, collapse, or loss of consciousness
   • A sudden severe headache with weakness, neck stiffness, or vomiting

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical assessment for a rapid change in vision or hearing, new severe eye pain, increasing confusion, new weakness, or difficulty walking.

   Early treatment may reduce the chance of permanent loss of function.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a new severe headache unlike any they have had before
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange routine medical or sexual health follow-up if you have a positive syphilis test, have been told a partner has syphilis, or develop gradual memory, balance, sensation, bladder, hearing, or vision changes.

   These symptoms have many possible causes and require proper assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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