Back Problems and Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have leg weakness?
See significance of leg weakness if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have new weakness in both legs?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have new weakness in one leg?
Yes Is ongoing weakness in one leg getting worse?
Yes Do you have back pain and leg weakness that causes you to limp?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you had ongoing leg weakness for longer than 1 week?
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.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: August 28, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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