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Warning-sign checks

Provisional tic 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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice unless emergency services tell you to do so.

    Call emergency services for loss of consciousness, serious injury, difficulty breathing, or a prolonged episode with no normal recovery.

    Typical tics do not usually cause these symptoms.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Get urgent medical help if abnormal movements occur with new weakness, severe confusion, a high fever, or a marked change in awareness.

    These features are not typical of provisional tic disorder and may have another cause.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical assessment if repeated movements or sounds are new, have no clear explanation, or continue over time.

    An assessment is also appropriate if symptoms cause pain, disrupt sleep or school, lead to bullying, or create significant distress.

The article also says

Seek earlier advice if symptoms began after starting or changing a medicine, or if the movements are unusual for a tic.

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