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Warning-sign checks

Sudden confusion: 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

    Any new, sudden confusion needs immediate medical assessment.

    Call your local emergency number or go to an emergency department.

    Do not let the confused person drive.

    Call emergency services at once if confusion occurs with:

    • Face drooping, arm weakness, or difficulty speaking
    • A severe or sudden headache
    • A seizure, collapse, or loss of consciousness
    • Trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or chest pain
    • Fever with a stiff neck, severe headache, or a new rash
    • A recent head injury
    • Possible poisoning or medicine overdose
    • Very low blood sugar that does not improve promptly

    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

    Follow-up is also important if concentration, sleep, mood, or memory problems continue after the urgent cause has been treated.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    A routine appointment is appropriate for thinking or memory changes that developed gradually rather than suddenly.

The article also says

While waiting for help, stay with the person if it is safe.

Speak calmly, use simple sentences, and remind them where they are.

Bring their medicine containers or an up-to-date medicine list.

If they are very drowsy or having trouble swallowing, do not give food or drink.

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