Urgent situations
They won’t get out of bed / sudden weakness
Sudden weakness can be serious. Use this page to decide what to do right now and what to check first.
Quick checklist
- Call 911 now if there are stroke signs, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or they can’t stay awake.
- If new or worsening weakness appeared within hours, treat it as urgent until proven otherwise.
- Check for recent falls, new meds, dehydration, fever, or low blood sugar (if applicable).
- If you’re unsure, call a nurse line, primary care office, or urgent care for guidance.
Call now / go now
- Stroke warning signs: face droop, arm weakness, speech trouble — call 911.
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, blue lips, severe dizziness, confusion, or fainting: call 911.
- New one‑sided weakness, new inability to walk, or sudden severe headache: call 911.
Check first (if they’re stable)
- Any fall or head hit in the last 24–48 hours (even “minor”).
- New medication, dose change, or missed doses (pain meds, sedatives, blood pressure meds, diabetes meds).
- Hydration/food today (dehydration can cause weakness).
- Fever, shaking chills, burning urination, new cough, or signs of infection.
- Blood sugar if diabetic and you have a home meter.
Do not do
- Don’t force them to stand if you suspect a fall injury or severe dizziness.
- Don’t give extra doses of meds to “catch up” unless a clinician instructed you.
- Don’t delay care if symptoms are new and significant.