Neurology Outpatient Clinics
Your GP will refer you to see a neurologist if they think you have a problem that involves the nervous system and that needs specialist help in diagnosing or treating that condition.
You will see either a neurologist or a neurology registrar (a doctor training to become a specialist and who is under supervision of a neurologist).
Waiting times for clinics range from 1 day - 6 months depending on the urgency of your condition. This is assessed from the letter or phone call we receive from your GP.
Before coming to our clinic you may be asked to undergo some tests or these tests will be arranged after your appointment with the neurologist. These are described below in detail.
We receive numerous referrals. Unfortunately, not all patients who are referred can be seen. To be fair to other patients, it is not possible for individual patients who do receive appointments to be with the doctor for prolonged periods.
A history of your symptoms will be taken as well as a review of any medications you are on (so please bring a list of your medications including the doses and time of the day the medicines are taken). The doctor may also review any old notes and previous problems you have had.
You will then be examined, which may include an examination of the nervous system and any other areas that are considered relevant to your condition. An examination of the brain and nerves may include testing your memory and concentration as well as other aspects of thinking processes. It also involves examining how well the nerves to your head and body are working. You may have further testing to establish the diagnosis.
The specialist, registrar, or house surgeon will discuss with you the possible diagnosis and what further tests or treatments are recommended. They will correspond with your GP about your diagnosis, results of tests and a treatment plan. You may have ongoing follow-up in our clinic or be discharged back to the care of your GP.
As part of the neurology team we have clinical physiologists and a neuropsychologist who are expert in assessing different functions of the brain or nervous system. Their assessment may be requested to help the neurologist make a diagnosis or to help plan treatment.
You may also be referred to a physiotherapist, or occupational therapist. A physiotherapist provides physical therapy to assist with any disability you have. An occupational therapist reviews what equipment/advice will assist in activities of daily living if you have a disability.
In some cases you may require admission to hospital for treatment or testing.
