Neurology is the medical specialty dedicated to diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. Typically we will try to make a diagnosis of the problem that is causing symptoms, and offer explanation and treatment with medication where appropriate. Symptoms that we often evaluate are headaches, losses of consciousness, weakness in the limbs or face, balance problems, slurred speech, altered sensation, double vison and tremor. In a small minority of people the problem we diagnose can only be improved by an operation on the brain or spine so we refer on to a neurosurgeon.
Common conditions looked after in our Service are:
- Genetic disorders affecting the nervous system
- Headache disorders e.g. migraine
- Stroke
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and tremors
- Disorders in which the immune system is acting against: the brain or spine, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or the nerves or muscles such as myasthenia gravis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Diseases of nerve branches in the arms, legs or face (neuropathies)
- Spinal cord disorders
- Motor neuron disease
- Balance disorders
What to expect from the service?
Our appointments involve a hospital clinic visit to see a Neurologist or a junior doctor closely supervised by a Neurologist. In our stroke prevention clinic you might see a very experienced Nurse Specialist instead. An interpreter will be available if you do not find it easy to communicate in English. If needed this should be requested in your referral so the interpreter can be booked.
We will discuss the symptoms that have been causing concern and any past health problems that are relevant and will usually examine you in the clinic room – for example testing muscle strength, coordination and reflexes. Sometimes we will then recommend follow up tests such as blood tests, scans of the brain or spine or electrical tests of the brain, nerves or muscles. Most tests will require coming back to the hospital on another day.
After our consultation together, a letter will be sent to your GP. This should arrive within 2 weeks. You are welcome to ask for copies of these letters to be sent to you also.
Some of our appointments are to provide specialised tests only. These include electrical tests of the nerves and muscles (known as EMG or nerve conduction studies, for which you will be seen by a specialised Neurologist or highly trained technologist), and electroencephalography (EEG) where brainwaves are recorded by a highly trained technologist and later studied and interpreted by a Neurologist.
Appointment information
How to refer:
A referral is required. Please visit your GP clinic
What to bring:
- Medicare card
- Complete list of your medications and names of any drugs you are allergic to
- Name and address of GP and any other health professionals closely involved in your care (so that letters can be copied to the appropriate people)
- Updated referral letter from your GP if you have been notified that this is needed
- One or more family members or friends if you like
- If you are being seen because of a possible seizure then it is best practice for us to also talk to people who have witnessed the attack, so please bring them along or provide their phone number
Waiting:
Appointments are decided once your referral has been reviewed by a Neurologist. If your problem is considered to be urgent you will be offered an appointment within a month. We try to see people as soon as possible but our very large referral numbers mean that this is often not as soon as we would like. You can help us by:
- Attending the appointment you receive or telephoning at least a week prior to cancel or rearrange your appointment
On the day, we will try not to keep you waiting long but if we do this is either because:
- The doctors have had to urgently attend other people with neurological emergencies or
- People seen before you in the clinic had complicated problems requiring more time than anticipated
Therefore your patience is really appreciated.
Cost:
There is no cost to you for the Neurology service.