Altered sensation or abnormal appearance in the head and neck pathway

Patient with altered sensation or abnormal appearance in the head and neck

Other than pain, swelling, bleeding and trauma caused by injury, the main other head and neck symptoms that patients present with are altered sensation or abnormal appearance (a lesion, mark or lump). In these cases, the following pathway is followed. For these patients, it is essential to first assess for signs of stroke, including facial weakness or asymmetry, arm weakness or speech problems.

Flowchart endpoints

The numbers shown in the circles at the top right hand corner of the endpoint boxes in this flowchart indicate the conditions that share the presenting symptoms that lead to this endpoint. Information on these conditions can be accessed by following the relevant link:

Endpoint 13 - altered sensation

Endpoint 14 - abnormal appearance