Neurological emergencies can arise unexpectedly and require immediate action for the best possible outcome. It is essential to know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of these emergencies and when to seek assistance. In this article, we’ll discuss common neurological disorders, emergencies, and the appropriate steps to take.
1. Stroke:
Symptoms: Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred speech, facial drooping, sudden severe headache, trouble walking.
Action: Remember FAST – Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services.If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call for help immediately and take note of when the symptoms began.
2. Fainting:
Symptoms: Loss of consciousness, dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, pale skin.
Action: Lay the person down, elevate their legs, and loosen any tight clothing around their neck. If they don’t regain consciousness within a minute or two, seek medical help.
3. Sudden Onset Severe Headache:
Symptoms: Intense headache, often described as the worst headache of one’s life, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, confusion, or changes in vision.
Action: Seek immediate medical attention, especially if the headache is sudden and severe, as it could indicate a serious condition such as a ruptured aneurysm or bleeding in the brain.
4. Convulsions (Fits):
Symptoms: Uncontrolled shaking or jerking movements, loss of consciousness, drooling, tongue biting.
Action: Protect the person from injury by clearing the area around them. Place them on their side to prevent choking and call for emergency medical assistance if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if it’s their first seizure.
5. Guillain-Barre Syndrome:
Symptoms: Muscle weakness or paralysis starting in the legs and spreading to the arms and upper body, difficulty breathing, tingling or numbness.
Action: Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare but serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Seek help urgently if you notice any of these symptoms.
6. Myasthenia Gravis:
Symptoms: Muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest, drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing or speaking.
Action: Myasthenia Gravis can lead to respiratory failure in severe cases. Seek medical help promptly if you experience symptoms of muscle weakness or difficulty breathing.
In any neurological emergency, time is of the essence. Do not hesitate to call emergency services or rush to the nearest hospital equipped to handle neurological conditions. At Vanchilingam Advanced Neurology and Stroke, we understand the urgency of neurological emergencies and are committed to providing fast and effective care.
Our hospital is staffed with top neuro specialists who have extensive experience in managing neurological emergencies. From stroke care to complex neurological conditions like Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Myasthenia Gravis, our team is equipped to deliver advanced care when it matters most.
Don’t wait if you or someone you know is experiencing a neurological emergency. Contact Vanchilingam Advanced Neurology and Stroke or seek immediate medical attention to ensure the best possible outcome.
Blog Reviewed by: Dr. Somesh Vanchilingam
Mail Us: info.vanchilingamhospital@gmail.com