How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Weakness (New) - Pediatric Triage

Audience: pediatric

New weakness in a child can be concerning for parents and caregivers. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to discuss symptoms with a healthcare provider without leaving home. During a telemedicine visit, you can describe your child's weakness, share any other symptoms, and get guidance on next steps. Telemedicine is often suitable for initial evaluation of mild or gradual weakness, especially when it is not accompanied by urgent signs. However, some symptoms require immediate in-person care. Preparing for your telemedicine visit by gathering relevant information and understanding when to seek emergency help can ensure your child receives timely and appropriate care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden onset of weakness affecting one or more limbs or the face — seek emergency care immediately.
• Weakness accompanied by difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking — call emergency services right away.
• Weakness with high fever, severe headache, or loss of consciousness — go to the emergency room immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of mild or gradual weakness without urgent symptoms.
• Providing advice on symptom monitoring and home care.
• Determining if further tests or in-person visits are needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Sudden or severe weakness requiring emergency assessment.
• Weakness with signs of stroke, respiratory distress, or altered consciousness.
• Performing physical exams that require hands-on assessment or diagnostic testing.

What Is New Weakness in Children?

New weakness means your child is having trouble moving a part of their body that they could move before. This can affect their arms, legs, face, or other muscles. Weakness may come on suddenly or develop slowly. It can make it hard for your child to walk, hold things, or do daily activities.

When Telemedicine Can Help

A telemedicine visit can help your healthcare provider understand your child's weakness by asking questions and observing movements through video. This is often helpful if the weakness started gradually, is mild, and your child is otherwise well. The provider can advise if home care is appropriate or if further tests or in-person visits are needed.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Some signs mean your child needs urgent medical attention. These include sudden weakness, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe headache, or weakness with fever. If your child has any of these, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Before your visit, gather information about your child's symptoms: when the weakness started, which parts are affected, any recent injuries or illnesses, and other symptoms like fever or pain. Have a list of current medications and any medical history ready. Make sure your device is charged and your internet connection is stable. Find a quiet, well-lit space where your child can be seen moving during the visit.

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your child's weakness and may ask you to help your child perform simple movements on camera. They might check for other signs like facial drooping or difficulty speaking. Based on this, they will suggest next steps, which may include monitoring at home, scheduling tests, or going for an in-person evaluation.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider's instructions carefully. If they recommend home care, watch your child closely for any worsening symptoms. If tests or follow-up visits are needed, schedule them promptly. Keep emergency numbers handy in case your child's condition changes suddenly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when the weakness started and which body parts are affected.
• List any other symptoms such as fever, pain, or difficulty speaking.
• Gather your child's medical history and current medications.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the video call.
• Have a family member available to assist if needed during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's recommendations carefully.
• Schedule any recommended tests or in-person follow-ups promptly.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for any changes or worsening.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop after the visit.
• Keep emergency contact numbers accessible.
• Maintain a symptom diary if advised to track changes over time.

FAQs

Can telemedicine accurately assess my child's weakness?

Telemedicine allows providers to ask detailed questions and observe your child's movements via video, which helps in initial assessment. However, some physical exams and tests require in-person visits.

What should I do if my child's weakness suddenly gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If weakness worsens suddenly or new symptoms like difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness occur, seek emergency medical care immediately.

How long will the telemedicine visit take?

Telemedicine visits for weakness typically last 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of symptoms and questions.

Can I use a smartphone for the telemedicine visit?

Yes, smartphones, tablets, or computers with a camera and internet connection can be used for telemedicine visits.

Will the provider prescribe medications during the telemedicine visit?

The provider may suggest treatments or prescribe medications if appropriate, but some prescriptions require in-person evaluation.

Sources

1. Weakness in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Telemedicine: What to Expect — Mayo Clinic.
3. When to Seek Emergency Care for Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Pediatric Neurological Examination — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has severe or worsening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.