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
Seek urgent or emergency help for:
Sudden loss of vision
New weakness or numbness affecting one side of the body
A first seizure or a seizure lasting longer than usual
Severe headache with repeated vomiting, confusion or unusual drowsiness
Sudden difficulty speaking, breathing or swallowing saliva
Fever, neck stiffness or marked illness after skull base surgery
Clear fluid from the nose after surgery, especially with headache or fever
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
If you have been treated for chordoma, contact your specialist team promptly about new symptoms, a steady worsening of existing symptoms, clear watery drainage from the nose, or possible treatment side effects.
Do not wait for the next routine scan.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical assessment if you develop persistent headaches, double vision, facial numbness, swallowing difficulty or other unexplained neurological symptoms.
These symptoms are usually caused by something other than chordoma, but ongoing or worsening changes should be checked.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Skull base chordoma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.