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

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Call 911 now and say that you have new weakness in both legs or worsening trouble walking that has developed over a few hours. Do not drive yourself.

Do not do these things

  • Do not keep walking, use stairs, or repeatedly stand up to test your legs.
  • Do not drive yourself.
  • Do not delay the 911 call by going to urgent care first.
  • Do not ignore new bladder or bowel problems, numbness around the groin or buttocks, spreading weakness, trouble breathing, or trouble swallowing.
  • If swallowing feels unsafe, tell the 911 dispatcher before eating or drinking.
  • Do not cancel the 911 call if the symptoms improve while you wait.

What to do now

  1. Call 911 for an ambulance.
    • Say: “I have new weakness in both legs or worsening trouble walking that has developed over a few hours.”
  2. Sit or lie down somewhere stable while you wait.
    • Avoid walking and stairs.
    • Keep your phone with you.
    • If you are alone, unlock the front door if it is safe to do so.
  3. Tell the dispatcher immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
    • Sudden loss of balance, face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble, vision changes, or a sudden severe headache.
    • New inability to urinate, loss of the usual urge to urinate, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin, genitals, anus, or buttocks.
    • Severe back pain, a recent fall or injury, weakness spreading upward, trouble breathing, or trouble swallowing.
  4. Note when the symptoms started or clearly became worse.
    • Write down the time or save it in your phone. This may help the emergency team, especially if stroke is possible.
  5. Gather a brief medical snapshot if it is easy to do without delaying help.
    • Note your medicines, allergies, major medical conditions, recent infections, and recent falls or injuries.
  6. Follow the 911 dispatcher’s instructions.
    • If an ambulance cannot be sent, ask the dispatcher what to do next.
    • Do not drive yourself.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out whether this is a pinched nerve, a back problem, or something else.
  • You do not need to keep testing your strength by standing or walking.
  • You do not need to pack extensively or organise routine tasks before calling 911.

Important reassurance

It is understandable to second-guess yourself when symptoms are unfamiliar. Calling 911 for new weakness in both legs or worsening trouble walking over a few hours is appropriate because some possible causes need urgent assessment, and prompt care may reduce the risk of lasting harm.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Emergency clinicians may recommend a neurological examination, tests, imaging, or specialist assessment depending on your symptoms.

Important note

This guide provides general information only. It is not a diagnosis and is not medical or professional advice.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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