Flags

Question 1

Cauda Equina red flags

Answer 1

Saddle anaesthesia
Bladder/bowel symptoms
Sexual dysfunction
Pins and needles and/or numbness
Foot drop
Gait disturbance

Question 2

Cervical Spine red flags

Answer 2

Dysphagia
Dysarthria
Dizziness
Drop attacks
Diplopia

Nystagmus
Numbness
Nausea

Question 3

Myelopathy red flags

Answer 3

Bilateral pins and needles/numbness
Gait disturbance
Worsening dexterity
Balance issues

Question 4

What are red flags?

Answer 4

Signs and symptoms that may indicate a serious pathology is present

Question 5

What are yellow flags?

Answer 5

Psychosocial factors that may impact treatment outcomes
E.g. unhelpful beliefs about their pain/injury

Question 6

What are orange flags?

Answer 6

Psychiatric problems e.g. depression, PTSD, alcohol abuse

Question 7

What are blue flags?

Answer 7

The employers/employees perceptions of work related factors that can contribute to disability

Question 8

What are black flags?

Answer 8

The context and environment in which the patient functions, which includes other people, systems and policies.

Question 9

Cancer red flags

Answer 9

Night sweats/fever/pain
Unexplained weight loss
Unremitting pain
Generally feeling unwell

Question 10

Spinal fracture red flags

Answer 10

Sudden onset of central spinal pain, relieved by lying supine
Point tenderness on vertebrae
History of major trauma
Structural deformity of spine
Age and gender: Elderly women more at risk