Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Weakness (New) - Triage

Audience: adult

New weakness can be a sign of many health issues, some of which need urgent medical attention. Telemedicine can help evaluate mild or unclear cases of weakness by discussing symptoms and medical history. However, some signs require you to seek in-person care immediately. This article helps you understand when telemedicine may be appropriate and when to get urgent, face-to-face medical help. It also explains what to prepare for a telemedicine visit and what to expect afterward. Always listen to your body and seek emergency care if you notice sudden or severe symptoms.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden weakness on one side of the body with speech difficulties — seek emergency care immediately.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control along with weakness — go to the emergency room.
• Rapidly worsening weakness or spreading weakness — get urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild or stable new weakness without other serious symptoms.
• Initial evaluation of weakness to gather history and symptoms.
• Guidance on monitoring symptoms and when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Sudden one-sided weakness suggesting stroke.
• Weakness with chest pain, severe headache, or breathing difficulty.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control with weakness.
• Rapidly worsening or spreading weakness.
• Weakness after trauma or head injury.

What Is New Weakness?

New weakness means a recent loss of strength in one or more parts of your body. It can affect your arms, legs, face, or other areas. Weakness may come on suddenly or develop over time. It can be caused by many conditions, including infections, nerve problems, muscle diseases, or more serious issues like stroke.

When to Use Telemedicine for Weakness

Telemedicine can be a good first step if your weakness is mild, stable, and not accompanied by other serious symptoms. A healthcare provider can ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, and any other signs you may have. They can help decide if you need further tests or in-person care.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person or Emergency Care

Certain symptoms with new weakness require urgent medical attention. These include:

If you have any of these, go to the emergency room or call emergency services immediately.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment:

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your provider may:

Make sure to follow their instructions and contact your provider if new symptoms develop.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space for your telemedicine visit.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms with details on onset and changes.
• Have your medical history and current medications ready.
• If possible, have someone nearby to assist during the visit.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet connection.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any treatment or monitoring advice given by your provider.
• Schedule recommended follow-up visits or tests.
• Watch for any new or worsening symptoms.
• Seek in-person care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of symptom changes to share with your healthcare provider.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my weakness?

Telemedicine providers can assess your symptoms and medical history but often cannot perform physical exams or tests needed for a full diagnosis. They can help decide if you need in-person evaluation or further testing.

What should I do if my weakness suddenly gets worse during or after a telemedicine visit?

If your weakness worsens suddenly, especially with other serious symptoms like difficulty speaking or loss of bladder control, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Is new weakness always a sign of a serious problem?

Not always. Sometimes weakness can be due to minor issues like fatigue or mild infections. However, because weakness can also signal serious conditions, it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely and seek care if red flags appear.

Can I have a family member help during my telemedicine visit?

Yes, having a family member or friend present can help you communicate symptoms clearly and assist with technology during the visit.

What if I don’t have access to telemedicine?

If telemedicine is not available, contact your local healthcare provider or clinic to discuss your symptoms and get advice on next steps.

Sources

1. Weakness — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Stroke Signs and Symptoms — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. When to Seek Emergency Care — Mayo Clinic.
4. Neurological Examination — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience any emergency symptoms or worsening condition, seek immediate medical care.