What does “Red flag” mean?
A symptom or sign suggesting a serious underlying cause that needs urgent assessment rather than symptom treatment.
Red flag in plain English
A symptom or sign suggesting a serious underlying cause that needs urgent assessment rather than symptom treatment.
Examples relevant here include new weakness, numbness around the groin or loss of bladder or bowel control in someone with back pain; unexplained weight loss; a sudden severe headache unlike any before; or a first seizure.
Red flags are the reason a specialist wants your history and investigations before prescribing. Treating a symptom without knowing its cause can delay the diagnosis that mattered.
Frequently asked questions
What does red flag mean?
A symptom or sign suggesting a serious underlying cause that needs urgent assessment rather than symptom treatment.
Sources and further reading
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