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 trouble breathing, collapse, severe confusion, or rapidly progressing weakness.
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
Seek urgent medical assessment for:
New or worsening leg weakness or numbness
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Severe or increasing back pain
Fever with redness, swelling, or drainage at the injection site
A severe headache that does not improve with the advised measures
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine advice, contact your healthcare team if you have a headache that is worse upright, persistent tenderness at the needle site, trouble passing urine, or numbness that is improving more slowly than expected.
These are not routine recovery symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Spinal and epidural anesthesia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.