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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for sudden facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, trouble speaking, loss of vision, or a severe new balance problem.
These may be signs of a stroke.
Emergency assessment is also needed for severe muscle rigidity with fever, confusion, heavy sweating, or reduced alertness, especially after a medicine change.
Sudden breathing difficulty, repeated choking, or possible carbon monoxide exposure also requires immediate help.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact a clinician promptly for:
Increasing falls or a sudden decline in walking
Coughing, choking, or a wet-sounding voice during meals
Unexplained weight loss or difficulty taking enough fluids
New confusion, hallucinations, or marked daytime sleepiness
Symptoms that are progressing faster than expected
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you develop ongoing slowness, stiffness, tremor, shuffling steps, or repeated balance problems.
Seek a review if symptoms appear after a medicine is started or changed, but keep taking it unless you are told otherwise.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Secondary parkinsonism. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.