It isn't always easy to know when a medical problem requires a trip to the emergency room. Some symptoms can wait for a scheduled doctor's appointment, while others may signal a serious or potentially life-threatening condition that needs immediate evaluation.
Knowing the difference is especially important when symptoms appear suddenly.
Here are seven warning signs that should not be ignored.
1. Chest Pain or Pressure
New or severe chest pain should always be taken seriously.
Heart-related symptoms aren't always sharp or dramatic. Some people describe pressure, squeezing, tightness, heaviness, or discomfort in the chest. Pain or discomfort may also spread into the arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw.
Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or unusual weakness.
If you believe you may be experiencing a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
2. Signs of a Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. Because brain tissue can be damaged quickly, recognizing the warning signs and seeking emergency care immediately is critical.
Possible stroke symptoms include:
- Sudden facial drooping
- Weakness or numbness, particularly on one side
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden confusion
- Sudden vision changes
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- A sudden, severe headache
Do not wait to see whether symptoms disappear. Call 911 immediately if you suspect a stroke.
3. Serious Difficulty Breathing
Shortness of breath can occur for many reasons, but sudden or severe difficulty breathing can indicate a medical emergency.
Seek immediate medical attention for significant breathing problems, particularly when accompanied by chest pain, blue or gray lips or skin, confusion, fainting, or an inability to speak normally because of breathlessness.
4. Loss of Consciousness or Sudden Confusion
Fainting, unexplained loss of consciousness, severe confusion, or a sudden change in mental status can have numerous causes and may require emergency evaluation.
These symptoms can be associated with neurological problems, cardiovascular conditions, injuries, infections, or other serious medical issues.
5. Severe Injuries or Uncontrolled Bleeding
Major injuries from car accidents, falls, workplace accidents, or other trauma may require emergency treatment even when the full extent of an injury isn't immediately obvious.
Uncontrolled bleeding, serious head injuries, significant burns, severe fractures, and other major trauma should receive prompt medical attention.
6. Sudden Neurological Changes
Neurological emergencies don't always present exactly like a stroke.
Sudden seizures, extreme weakness, difficulty walking, major changes in coordination, severe unexplained headaches, or sudden changes in vision or speech may require emergency evaluation.
7. Severe or Rapidly Worsening Symptoms
Sometimes the most important warning sign is a sudden change in your condition.
Severe pain, rapidly worsening symptoms, significant weakness, or feeling that something is seriously wrong should not simply be ignored.
Emergency Care in East Dallas
White Rock Medical Center provides 24/7 emergency care in East Dallas, supported by hospital diagnostic and specialty resources when additional evaluation is necessary.
For residents of East Dallas, White Rock Lake, Lake Highlands and surrounding Dallas communities, knowing where emergency care is located before you need it can make an unexpected situation easier to navigate.
If you're experiencing a potentially life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the emergency room open 24 hours?
Emergency departments provide care around the clock for emergency medical conditions.
Should I drive myself to the ER if I think I'm having a heart attack or stroke?
Call 911 when you believe you're experiencing a life-threatening emergency. Emergency medical services can begin assessing and assisting you before you reach the hospital.
Can an ER perform diagnostic testing?
Depending on a patient's symptoms and medical needs, emergency physicians may order laboratory tests, imaging, or other diagnostic evaluations.