Red Flag Pathologies

Question 1

What are some serious red flag pathologies?

Answer 1

• Fracture
• Infection
• Malignant
• Visceral
• Cauda Equina Syndrome
• Cervical Spine: Cervical artery dysfunction, cervical instability, cervical myleopathy

Question 2

What are some red flag questions when a patient has neurological symptoms?

Answer 2

• Do you have any P&N or numbness?
• Have you experienced any weakness or difficulty moving/controlling your body? (any loss of balance or coordination?)
• Do you experience muscle cramps or spasms?

Question 3

What are some red flag questions when a patient has systemic symptoms?

Answer 3

• Have you had unexplained weight loss recently?
• Do you have a history of cancer?
• Have you experienced pain waking you at night and stopping you from getting back to sleep?

Question 4

What is a red flag question for a patient who has had trauma or injury?

Answer 4

Have you recently experienced a significant trauma or injury?

Question 5

What are red flag questions for a patient who is at risk of infection?

Answer 5

• Have you had a recent infection or operation?
• Do you have a fever or night sweats?

Question 6

What is a red flag question for pathological lower limb vascular symptoms?

Answer 6

Have you noticed any changes in skin colour or temperature in your legs?

Question 7

What are red flag questions for pathological lower limb joint swelling & deformity?

Answer 7

• Have you experienced any sudden swelling or deformity in your joints?
• Have you experienced any trauma?
• Do you have a history of joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis?