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Warning-sign checks

Telangiectasia: 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

    Call emergency services for sudden facial weakness, arm weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of coordination, a seizure, or a sudden severe headache.

    These symptoms have many possible causes, but they require immediate assessment.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical help for:

    • A nosebleed that is heavy or does not stop after sustained firm pressure
    • Vomiting blood or passing black, tar-like stools
    • Bleeding accompanied by faintness, marked weakness, or breathlessness
    • New severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if the vessels are new, spreading, repeatedly bleeding, or associated with pain, leg swelling, skin thickening, unusual fatigue, or other new symptoms.

    Assessment is also reasonable if you have frequent unexplained nosebleeds or close relatives with HHT.

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