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Warning-sign checks

Primary lymphoma of the brain: 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

    Seek emergency help for:

    • A first seizure or a seizure lasting several minutes
    • Sudden weakness, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking
    • Sudden severe confusion, collapse, or loss of consciousness
    • A severe headache with repeated vomiting or increasing drowsiness
    • Sudden major loss of vision
    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

    Arrange a prompt medical review if you develop persistent or worsening headaches, unexplained changes in memory or behaviour, new vision problems, increasing weakness, poor balance, or difficulty speaking.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    If you have completed treatment, report new neurological symptoms before your next routine follow-up.

The article also says

During chemotherapy, follow the treatment unit's instructions for fever or signs of infection.

Infection can become serious quickly when white blood cell levels are low.

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