Red Flags Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is MSCC?
Metastatic spinal cord compression, an oncological emergency requiring urgent treatment
Early management can improve functional outcomes and prevent permanent paralysis.
What are common cancers associated with MSCC?
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
What are general signs and symptoms of MSCC?
- Non-mechanical pain
- Constant night pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- General fatigue
- Previous history of cancer
- Night sweats
- Unusual lumps or swelling
What is DVT?
Deep vein thrombosis, a condition involving a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs or pelvis
Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and redness, but some DVTs may be asymptomatic.
What is inflammation?
A biological response to harmful stimuli, which can become abnormal in inflammatory disorders
Abnormal inflammation can lead to chronic pain and tissue damage.
What is the definition of infection?
The invasion and multiplication of harmful organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites in the body.
What characterizes cancer?
Uncontrolled division and growth of abnormal cells forming malignant tumors
Cancer can spread locally or to distant parts of the body as metastases.
What are common risk factors for red flag conditions?
- Previous trauma to cervical spine
- Migraine type headaches
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Cardiac disease
- Diabetes
- Blood clotting disorders
- Long-term steroid use
What is the primary symptom of myelopathy?
Neurologic deficits related to spinal cord compression, often in the cervical spine.
What are the common symptoms of myelopathy?
- Muscle weakness
- Sensory loss
- Impaired coordination
- Gait disturbances
- Urinary disturbances
What does CAD stand for?
Cervical arterial dysfunction, which encompasses various vascular pathologies leading to cervico-cranial ischemia.
What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
A systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory arthritis and extra-articular involvement.
What is the goal of treatment for RA?
Symptom management through pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods.
What are common joints affected by RA?
- Small joints of hands (PIP, MCP)
- Elbows
- Shoulders
- Hips
- Knees
- Ankles
What are signs and symptoms of fractures?
- Dull pain along the bone
- Mild swelling
- Tenderness in the affected area
What is RED-S?
Relative energy deficiency in sport, characterized by low energy availability and decreased bone mineral density.
What is cauda equina syndrome (CES)?
A condition where the spinal cord terminates at L1-L2, affecting lower limb functions and sphincter control.
What is the most common cause of CES?
A herniated lumbar intervertebral disc.
What are red flag signs and symptoms of CES?
- Saddle anaesthesia
- Severe lower back pain with weakness
- Urinary and bowel dysfunction
What is the treatment approach for CES?
Urgent neurosurgical intervention for decompression, especially for incomplete CES cases.
What are risk factors for fractures?
- Age and gender
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Alcohol
- RA
- Trauma
- Steroid use
