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Warning-sign checks

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: 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:

    • Sudden weakness, facial drooping or difficulty speaking, which may be a stroke
    • A first seizure or a seizure lasting several minutes
    • Loss of consciousness or inability to wake normally
    • Severe breathing difficulty or choking
    • Rapidly worsening confusion or inability to walk safely
    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 urgent medical assessment for new or worsening neurological symptoms, especially if you have a weakened immune system or take a medicine associated with PML.

    Examples include increasing weakness, new visual loss, worsening balance, speech difficulty, confusion or unusual behaviour changes.

    Contact the specialist team the same day if symptoms are developing gradually but are clearly new.

    Do not wait for a routine follow-up appointment.

    Report changes sooner if function begins to decline.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for stable, previously assessed symptoms, rehabilitation needs and medicine questions.

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