Warning signs: when to get help

Sudden symptoms: think B.E. F.A.S.T.

These signs can indicate stroke. Sudden severe unexplained headache is another emergency warning sign. Note when symptoms began, call for emergency assistance and do not drive yourself.

Symptoms going away does not make it safe to ignore them. They still need urgent assessment.

Source: CDC · Stroke signs and symptoms .

Back pain with new bladder, bowel or saddle symptoms

Seek emergency assessment for new difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder or bowel control, or new numbness around the genitals, inner thighs or bottom. Severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs also needs urgent assessment. These can occur when nerves at the base of the spine are compressed.

Source: North Bristol NHS Trust · Cauda equina syndrome , NHS · Sciatica .

After a head injury

Get emergency help for inability to wake or stay awake, a seizure, new weakness or problems with speech, walking or vision. Vomiting, blood-thinning medicines or other concerning symptoms after a head injury also warrant urgent medical advice.

Do not drive yourself for assessment. Do not assume a person who becomes more drowsy is simply sleeping off the injury.

Source: NHS · Head injury and concussion .

If someone is having a seizure

Read the seizure first-aid steps and emergency thresholds →

Emergency help in India

Call 112 for emergency assistance in India. It connects emergency requests, including health emergencies. Give your location and describe what is happening. Follow the operator’s instructions.

आपात स्थिति में 112 पर कॉल करें। नियमित अपॉइंटमेंट या व्हाट्सऐप के जवाब का इंतज़ार न करें।

Source: Government of India · Emergency Response Support System .