When To Call a Doctor
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if signs of a
or
develop
suddenly. These may include:
- Numbness, weakness, or inability to move the
face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Vision
problems in one or both eyes, such as dimness, blurring, double vision, loss of
vision, or a sensation that a shade is being pulled down over your
eyes.
- Confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding.
- Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
- Severe headache with no known cause.
Call a doctor immediately if a
person suddenly becomes confused or emotionally upset or doesn't seem to know
who or where he or she is. These are signs of
, which can be caused by a reaction to
medicines or a new or worsening medical condition.
Call a doctor
if you or a person you are close to has new and troubling memory loss that is
more than an occasional bout of forgetfulness. This may be an early sign of
.
Watchful waiting
Occasional forgetfulness or memory loss can be a
normal part of aging. But any new or increasing memory loss or problems with
daily living should be reported to a doctor. Learn the
, and talk to a doctor if you
or a family member shows any of these signs. They include increased trouble
finding the right words when speaking, getting lost going to familiar places,
and acting more irritable or suspicious than usual.
Who to see
The following health professionals can evaluate
symptoms of memory loss or confusion:
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.