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Warning-sign checks

Vertebroplasty: 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

    Seek emergency medical help for:

    • New weakness or loss of feeling in your legs
    • New loss of bladder or bowel control
    • Severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood
    • Fainting or rapidly worsening symptoms
    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

    Contact your healthcare team promptly if you develop increasing back pain, fever, redness or drainage at the puncture site, persistent bleeding, or pain that is not controlled by the agreed plan.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine questions about activity, work, pain medicines, osteoporosis treatment, and planned follow-up can usually wait for normal clinic hours.

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