When to visit the ER for weakness

You've probably experienced feelings of weakness at one time or another, especially when you're tired, hungry or sick. But when does a feeling of weakness cross the threshold from a condition that can be managed at home to a concern that needs emergency care?

If you're not sure whether to visit an ER if you're feeling weak, consider these guidelines.

Weakness in certain areas of the body may indicate a larger, more serious problem. If you are experiencing weakness in the face, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body, you should visit the nearest emergency department immediately as these signs may indicate that you are having a stroke. Other signs of stroke include:

• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Drooping in the face

An emergency department visit may also be necessary if you have a feeling of weakness throughout the entire body that is accompanied by these symptoms:

• Associated fatigue
• Fever
• High heart rate (heart is racing)
• Low blood pressure

For individuals who have certain medical histories, feelings of weakness may signify a more serious issue. If you have any of these medical conditions or treatments and are feeling weak, you should visit an emergency department:

• History of anemia
• Patients in chemotherapy
• Diabetes

Patients can complete advance check-in to any of Wesley's four emergency rooms with a free mobile app available for Apple iPhones in iTunes and for Android Phones in the Google Play app Store. Patients can also complete advance registration at Wesley ER Check In. Users simple select which Wesley facility they would like to go to and fill out a few required fields. The selected ER will be instantly notified, enabling the ER staff to better prepare for the patient's arrival. The app and website include the facilities' average wait times so patients can better plan their visit.

ER wait times are approximate and provided for informational purposes only. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.

ER wait times represent a four-hour rolling average updated every 30 minutes and are defined as the time of patient arrival until the time the patient is greeted by a qualified medical professional. Patients are triaged at arrival and are seen by a qualified medical professional in priority order based on their presenting complaint and reason for visit.

The ER wait time represents the time it takes to see a qualified medical professional, defined as a doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of osteopathy (DO), physician assistant (PA) or advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP).

National average wait time is one hour, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HCA hospitals strive to beat the national average.

Wesley's main emergency department also provides Ready Care services, an “express lane” through the emergency department in a convenient, timely setting. These services are an alternative care route to the regular emergency department where treatment is determined on the severity of the patient's condition. Ready Care is ideal for patients who need immediate care for small emergencies, such as sprains, sore throats, ear infections and rashes. The service area is managed by providers trained in emergency medicine and is fully supervised by board-certified physicians. Patients are referred to the area through the regular emergency department.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact 911 or seek medical attention immediately.