Screening for Head, Neck and Back Flashcards
What are red flags for head/neck region?
VBI, meningitis, brain tumor and subarachnoid hemmorhage
What are sx of VBI?
dizziness, vertigo, visual disturbances, HA, nausea, drop attack, guarded with neck movements
What are sx of meningitis?
positive slump, HA, fever, photophobia, confusion, seizures, sleepiness
What are sx of brain tumor?
ataxia, speech defects, sensory abnormalities, HA, GI sx, visual changes, altered mental status, seizures
What are sx of subarachnoid hemorrhage?
sudden onset of HA, LOC, similar to brain tumor med emergency
What are common red flags with back pain?
constitutional signs, failure to get better, recent URI, HX drug use, immunocompromised, severe night pain, saddle anesthesia, incontinence, significant morning stiffness
What are red flags associated with a headache?
elevated BP, wakes with HA, confusion, dizziness, gait changes, stiff neck, “blacking out”, flu sx
What gynecological issues can cause LBP?
endometrosis, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy
What are S and S of GYN disorders?
irregular periods, breast tenderness, N/V, chronic constipation, fever, night sweats, drop in BP, vaginal discharge
What are male reproductive sx of LBP?
prostate pathology (BPH, prostate cancer), testicular cancer
What are 4 red flags for spine?
- tumors
- spinal infections
- vertebral fractures
- cauda equine
What is third most common cancer dx?
colon, common metastasis in thoracic spine and rib, typical cancer sx along with changes in bowel, bladder and bloody stool
What are s and s of caudal equine?
saddle anesthesia, incontinence, global weakness in L4-s1, gait disturbances
What other dx could LBP be and confirmed with abdominal palpation?
AAA, hernia, appendicitis
When does an enlarged aorta need referral?
over 3 cm wide
immediate referral if pulse seen
