Neurological emergencies can feel different from other health issues. If you notice something seriously wrong with your thinking, movement, speech, or sensation (especially if it happens suddenly or feels unusual for you), trust your instincts.

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Call 911 immediately for these neurological symptoms

• Sudden severe headache - The "worst headache of your life" or completely different from your usual headaches. This could signal a brain aneurysm or other serious condition.
• Signs of stroke - Face drooping on one side, arm or leg weakness, slurred or garbled speech, sudden confusion, or vision loss. Remember: time is brain tissue.
• Seizures - Especially if it's your first seizure ever, lasts longer than 2 minutes, or you don't return to normal consciousness afterward.
• Sudden loss of consciousness or severe confusion that comes on rapidly.
• Severe head injury with confusion, repeated vomiting, or changes in consciousness after trauma.
• Sudden severe dizziness with difficulty walking, especially if accompanied by headache, confusion, or speech problems.
• New weakness affecting one side of your body or specific body parts.
• Rapid spreading weakness, particularly if it's moving from your legs upward or affecting your breathing or swallowing.
• Sudden changes in vision (Double vision, visual field cuts, or vision loss that doesn't resolve quickly).

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Go to urgent care or a walk-in clinic if you’re experiencing these symptoms

• New onset severe headache that's different from any you've had before, even if not the "worst ever."
• Persistent confusion or memory problems that developed suddenly.
• Difficulty swallowing or changes in your voice, especially with other neurological symptoms.
• Severe neck stiffness with headache and fever.

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When to contact your neurologist or primary doctor

• Worsening of known neurological symptoms like more frequent migraine attacks, increased tremor, or progressive weakness over days to weeks.
• New mild numbness or tingling that's stable and not spreading.
• Headaches that are similar to ones you've had before, even if more severe or frequent.
• Memory concerns that develop gradually over weeks or months.
• Sleep problems or fatigue related to neurological conditions.

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The tricky middle ground

Some neurological symptoms may not be urgent, but they still deserve attention. You might need to see your neurology provider for these:

• Moderate headaches that differ from your usual pattern but are not severe.
• Mild weakness that's stable.
• Dizziness without other symptoms.
• New tremor or movement problems.

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Special neurological considerations

If you have a neurological condition such as epilepsy, migraine, neuropathy, or tremors, you probably know what is normal for you. Get emergency care if your symptoms change a lot from your usual pattern or if new symptoms appear suddenly.

If you take prescription medications every day, missing a dose or mixing medicines can sometimes cause emergencies.

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When in doubt

Neurological emergencies need quick action. If you are not sure whether your symptom is serious, it is safer to get checked right away.

You can contact your Neura care team through the app or by email at support@neurahealth.co if you need advice. If your symptoms are severe, sudden, or getting worse quickly, go straight to the ER.

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