Red-flag symptoms
Certain neurological and spinal symptoms indicate severe nerve compression, spinal cord distress, or cranial emergencies. Knowing when to act is critical for preventing permanent deficit.
Cauda Equina Syndrome Symptoms
Immediate Emergency Evaluation Required
Symptoms to watch for:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (incontinence or retention)
- Numbness or altered sensation in the saddle area (perineum, buttocks, inner thighs)
- Sudden onset of severe leg weakness in one or both legs (foot drop or knee buckling)
Call 000 immediately or present to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
Progressive Cervical Myelopathy
Urgent Neurosurgical Assessment Required
Symptoms to watch for:
- Clumsiness or loss of dexterity in both hands (difficulty buttoning shirts, writing, dropping items)
- Walking imbalance, unsteady gait, or feeling like your legs are heavy or stiff
- Electric shock-like sensations down the spine or into limbs when bending the neck (Lhermitte's sign)
Contact our rooms on 1300 000 000 for an urgent appointment booking or consult your GP for a priority referral.
Acute Cranial Red Flags
Immediate Emergency Evaluation Required
Symptoms to watch for:
- Sudden, exceptionally severe headache (often described as a "thunderclap" or "worst headache of your life")
- Sudden onset of limb weakness, numbness, facial droop, or difficulty speaking (stroke-like symptoms)
- New-onset seizures, unexplained altered mental state, or progressive consciousness changes
- Persistent vomiting associated with worsening headache and visual disturbances
Call 000 immediately or present to the nearest hospital Emergency Department.
Information for general practitioners
If you are a GP assessing a patient with any of these clinical presentations, please utilize our urgent referral pathway to secure immediate specialist advice or priority bookings.
For acute spinal cord compression, progressive motor deficits, or suspected cranial masses, please contact Dr Aliashkevich directly via the doctors\' hotline or recommend hospital presentation.
View GP Urgent PathwayEmergency contacts
- Ambulance Services Call 000
- Rooms Urgent Hotline 1300 000 000 (Select Option 1)
- Nearest Hospital
Present to the nearest tertiary hospital Emergency Department (e.g., St Vincent\'s, The Royal Melbourne, or Epworth Richmond).
Red-flag FAQ
Why is saddle numbness considered an emergency?
Saddle numbness involves the nerves that control bowel and bladder function. Compression of these nerves (cauda equina syndrome) can lead to permanent paralysis of the bladder and bowel, as well as permanent leg weakness, if not surgically decompressed within 24 to 48 hours of onset.
What should I do if my symptoms are stable but slowly worsening?
If your symptoms are worsening gradually over weeks (e.g., mild numbness spreading, or slowly worsening neck/back pain), this is not an emergency, but it does require professional clinical evaluation. Please book a consultation with Dr Aliashkevich via a standard GP referral.