Which symptom during a HEENT assessment would require immediate referral to a specialist?

Sudden vision loss is a critical symptom that necessitates immediate referral to a specialist. This is because it can indicate serious underlying conditions such as retinal detachment, stroke, or significant optic nerve damage, all of which require urgent evaluation and intervention to prevent permanent vision loss or other complications.

Timely assessment by an ophthalmologist or eye care specialist can be crucial in diagnosing and treating the cause of the vision loss effectively. Other symptoms, although they may warrant attention, do not typically pose the same level of immediate threat to visual acuity or overall health. For instance, while severe headaches can indicate serious issues, the immediate priority for treatment is typically reserved for vision concerns due to the potential for irreversible damage.