Paget disease of the bone: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Get emergency help for new leg weakness with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or buttocks, or severe difficulty walking.

   These symptoms can indicate pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves at the base of the spine.

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

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt medical assessment for rapidly worsening pain, new swelling over a bone, increasing difficulty walking, or new numbness or weakness.

   Sudden severe pain or inability to put weight on a limb may indicate a fracture.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if you have persistent unexplained bone pain, a gradually changing bone shape, increasing hat size, or hearing loss.

   If you already have Paget disease, report new pain or a change in your usual symptoms rather than waiting for a scheduled review.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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