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Nervous System Problems - Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

If you have any of the following symptoms or conditions, evaluate those symptoms first.

Confusion, memory loss, altered behavior, babbling speech, or decreased alertness: Go to the topic Confusion, Memory Loss, and Altered Alertness.
Generalized muscle weakness or body fatigue: Go to the topic Weakness and Fatigue.
Headaches: Go to the topic Headaches.
Changes in vision: Go to the topic Eye Problems, Noninjury.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of balance, or a whirling sensation: Go to the topic Dizziness: Lightheadedness and Vertigo.
Nervous system problems that began after a head injury: Go to the topic Head Injury, Age 4 and Older or Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger.
A seizure: Go to the topic Seizures.


	Yes

Have you had a temporary loss of function?


	Yes

Do you have a persistent nervous system problem, such as a tremor or lack of coordination?


	Yes

Do you think your nervous system problem may be caused by a medicine?


	Yes

Have you had temporary numbness?


	Yes

Have you had a temporary inability to move (paralysis) part or all of one side of the body?


	Yes

Have you had temporary confusion or changed behavior?


	Yes

Have you had a temporary inability to speak, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding speech?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you have a new, persistent tremor?


	Yes

Do you have a new, persistent lack of coordination?


	Yes

Do you have persistent progressive weakness?


	Yes

Is your persistent nervous system problem worse since it was evaluated by a doctor?


	Yes

Do you have an occasional tremor or lack of coordination?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you think your nervous system problem may be caused by a medicine?If your answer is Yes:Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine the same day to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be needed.If you are taking a medicine not prescribed by a doctor, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to keep taking the medicine or if you need help to control your symptoms after you stop the medicine.

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

If you have any of the following symptoms or conditions, evaluate those symptoms first.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 04, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.