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 loss of consciousness, a seizure lasting several minutes, severe bleeding, trouble breathing, a serious eye injury, or behaviour causing immediate and uncontrollable danger.
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 care after head banging or another movement if there is vomiting, worsening headache, unusual sleepiness, confusion, weakness, vision changes, or a suspected broken bone.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical assessment if repetitive movements:
Cause bruising, skin damage, pain, or dental problems
Affect learning, sleep, relationships, or daily activities
Become more frequent, forceful, or difficult to interrupt
Begin suddenly or after starting a medicine
Occur with developmental, communication, or behavioural concerns
Are difficult to distinguish from seizures or tics
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Stereotypic movement disorder. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.