Responding to Quick Onset Symptoms in Northern California

Quick onset symptoms — or acute onset symptoms — are signs of a medical problem that occur suddenly. These signs can be severe and they can quickly change or worsen. By comparison, chronic symptoms develop slowly over a period of time. 

Quick onset symptoms can be a sign of a serious medical condition, and should be evaluated by a health care professional right away. Examples of such symptoms include: 

If you experience quick onset symptoms in Northern California, seek immediate medical assistance at a Dignity Health North State emergency room. Our emergency doctors and staff can provide a diagnosis and provide the personal care you need. 

Use our online waiting services, InQuicker, to select your estimated arrival time to one of our emergency rooms.

 

What to Tell Your ER Doctor at Dignity Health North State

The more information you can provide about your symptoms, the quicker your doctor can accurately diagnose your condition. In addition to your quick onset symptoms, try to remember other symptoms you may have experienced. Tell your Dignity Health North State doctor when your symptoms started, what you were doing, and what (if anything) makes the symptoms better or worse. 

Call 911 for symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath) or stroke (facial paralysis, slurred speech, and arm weakness on one side). If you are not sure if your symptoms require care, find medical assistance to be safe.

 

What Causes Your Quick Onset Symptoms?

Quick onset symptoms are a result of an underlying medical condition. The severity of the underlying problem can range from mild and temporary to serious and permanent. 

Conditions that can cause quick onset symptoms include: 

Visiting an emergency room for your quick onset symptoms can help to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. This can be important if your underlying condition requires immediate attention. After you are diagnosed, your doctor will discuss treatment recommendations and appropriate next steps. 

The knowledgeable doctors, nurses, and staff of our emergency departments provide life-sustaining aid when you need it. Learn more about the emergency services we deliver in our Northern California communities.

Dignity Health North State is here to help diagnose and treat your quick onset symptoms in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.