What to do if…
you develop new weakness in both legs or worsening trouble walking over a few hours

What to do now

1. Call 999 now.

   • Use speakerphone if you can.
   • Say: “New weakness in both legs or worsening trouble walking over a few hours.”
   • Say where you are and whether you are alone.

2. Get into the safest position you can.

   • Sit or lie down on a bed, sofa, or floor.
   • Keep your phone within reach.
   • If you live alone, unlock the door if it is safe to do so.

3. Tell the 999 call handler clearly if any of these are happening.

   • You cannot pass urine, have new leakage, or have lost bowel control.
   • You have numbness or tingling between your legs, around your genitals, or around your anus or bottom.
   • You have severe back pain, a recent fall or injury, fever, or weakness or numbness spreading quickly.
   • You have face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech, confusion, sudden severe headache, new vision problems, dizziness, falling over, or sudden balance problems.
   • You have breathing problems, swallowing problems, facial weakness, or weakness spreading upwards.

4. Make a very short timeline.

   • Write or text when the symptoms started.
   • Add when walking clearly became worse.
   • Add any bladder, bowel, numbness, pain, injury, fever, breathing, swallowing, speech, face, or arm symptoms.

5. Put essential information in one place while you wait.

   • Medication packets or a medication list.
   • Allergies.
   • Key medical conditions.
   • GP details if they are easy to find.
   • Any blood thinner medication or recent medication changes.

6. Ask someone nearby to stay with you if possible.

   • Ask them to help prevent falls.
   • Ask them to listen for the ambulance crew or any call back.
   • Ask them to pass on your timeline and medication information if you find it hard to speak.