Red flags
Warning signs that mean it's time to get help. This is about when to act - see First aid for what to do.
This is general guidance, not a diagnosis. If you're worried, it's always okay to seek advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency number straight away.
Signs of a stroke A stroke is a medical emergency - fast treatment saves brain. Call emergency services immediately if you see any FAST sign - even if it passes.
- Face drooping on one side
- Arm or leg weakness or numbness, usually one-sided
- Slurred speech or trouble finding words
- Sudden confusion, severe dizziness, or loss of balance
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
A seizure emergency Most seizures stop on their own. Some need urgent help. Call for help if a convulsive seizure lasts over 5 minutes, repeats without recovery, or breathing is difficult afterwards.
- A convulsion lasting more than 5 minutes
- One seizure straight after another, without waking up
- It's their first-ever seizure
- Injury during the seizure, or it happened in water
- Trouble breathing or staying awake afterwards
After a head injury Many bumps are minor, but some signs need urgent assessment. Go to emergency care for any of these after a knock to the head.
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Repeated vomiting
- A severe or worsening headache
- Confusion, drowsiness, or trouble waking
- Weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or seizures
- Clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears
Book a check soon
- Symptoms that linger for weeks (headache, dizziness, poor focus)
- Mood or sleep changes after a concussion
A dangerous headache Most headaches aren't serious. A few patterns are warnings. Seek emergency care for a sudden 'worst-ever' headache or a headache with neurological signs.
- A sudden, severe 'thunderclap' headache peaking in seconds
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, and a rash
- Headache with weakness, confusion, or vision loss
- A new, persistent headache after age 50
- Headache that steadily worsens over days or weeks
Autonomic dysreflexia (spinal cord injury) A dangerous blood-pressure spike in people with higher-level spinal cord injuries. Treat as an emergency: sit upright, find and remove the trigger, and get urgent medical help if it doesn't settle.
- Sudden, pounding headache
- Flushing or sweating above the injury level
- A blocked or runny nose
- Slow heartbeat with very high blood pressure
- A common trigger is a full bladder or bowel
When memory changes need a check Ordinary forgetting is normal. Some changes are worth assessing - and earlier is better. This isn't an emergency, but book a check with your doctor if these appear.
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Repeating the same questions or stories often
- Trouble managing money, medication, or appointments
- Struggling to follow a familiar recipe or task
- Family or friends noticing a clear change
Book a check soon
- Word-finding or personality changes that others notice
- New confusion that comes on quickly (see a doctor promptly)
Low mood and mental health Mood changes are common after any neurological condition - and treatable. If someone talks about ending their life or is in crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis line now.
- Thoughts of self-harm or that life isn't worth living
- Withdrawing from everyone and everything
- Not eating, drinking, or sleeping for days
- Feeling hopeless most of the day, most days
Book a check soon
- Low mood or anxiety lasting more than two weeks
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Swallowing and chest signs Swallowing problems (dysphagia) can lead to food or drink entering the lungs. Seek urgent help for choking, breathing difficulty, or a chest infection with fever after eating.
- Coughing or choking during or after meals
- A wet or gurgly voice after swallowing
- Repeated chest infections
- Unplanned weight loss or fear of eating