How to Decide when it’s Time to go to the ER

Making the decision to visit the ER is a tough choice, especially when you’re in extreme pain. You don’t want to make the trip if it’s unnecessary. On the other hand, if you’re in serious danger, a trip to the ER can save your life. So how do you make a decision? In this article, we are going to offer some tips and tricks for determining when it’s time to take a trip to the Emergency Room.

Are your Injuries Life-Threatening?

The first question to ask yourself is “are you injuries or your condition life threatening?” If the answer is yes, call an ambulance immediately. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if your injuries are life threatening or not. Here are a few signs that you should visit the ER immediately:

• Heart Attack Symptoms – pain in your chest, arm, and shortness of breath.
• Stroke Symptoms – sudden numbness or loss of feeling on one side of your face or body, and difficulty speaking.
• A Head Injury – even the most minor head injuries can result in concussions or internal bleeding.

All of these items need to be addresses as soon as possible to ensure patient safety and health. So visit the ER right away if you recognize these signs or symptoms in yourself or a loved one.

If you have been seriously injured or are experiencing severe pain, go to the ER immediately for treatment. If you are suffering from chronic pain, make an appointment with a seasoned pain management specialist. At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, our pain doctors have been treating patients in the Twin Cities Metro area for the past twenty years. We offer all types of pain management treatments, from injections, to medications, to surgical intervention. Contact us today at our Edina clinic to set up your very own appointment with one of our Minnesota pain physicians.