SVC obstruction: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if you have:

   • Severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing
   • Noisy, high-pitched breathing
   • Blue or grey lips or skin
   • Fainting, confusion, unusual drowsiness, or a seizure
   • A severe headache with vomiting, weakness, or vision changes
   • Sudden collapse or severe chest pain
   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent same-day medical assessment for new swelling of the face, neck, or arms, especially when it occurs with breathlessness, enlarged chest veins, headache, or a central venous device.

   If you already have SVC obstruction, get urgent advice if symptoms return or clearly worsen after treatment.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate for stable, mild symptoms that your care team already knows about.

   Use these appointments to discuss persistent swelling, activity, anticoagulant monitoring, device care, and planned imaging.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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