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Counties Manukau Health Neurology

Public Service

Description

What is Neurology?
Neurology is the study of the Nervous System (brain, spinal cord and nerves), how it controls various parts of the body and the diseases and disorders that may affect it.
 
The brain coordinates how we think and what we do physically as well as controlling how the body manages itself.  It sends messages to, and receives information from, the rest of the body via a complex system of nerves which use chemicals and electricity to send information.
 
The Nervous System can be divided into the:
  • voluntary nervous system which controls what we choose to do and the
  • involuntary or autonomic nervous system that controls automatic functions that we don’t have to think about.

A medical specialist in this field is a Neurologist.  A Neurosurgeon is a surgeon who operates on parts of the nervous system.  The two specialists often work together, depending on the problem.

Neurology Services Provided by Counties Manukau Health
Neurology services are provided at Middlemore Hospital and Manukau SuperClinic™.

Consultants

Referral Expectations

Acute Service
Patients with urgent neurological problems may be seen at Auckland City Hospital.
 
Inpatients - Middlemore Hospital
Visiting neurologists from Auckland City Hospital are available for inpatient consultation on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
 
Outpatient Clinics - Manukau SuperClinic™
Auckland City Hospital neurologists attend a general neurology outpatient clinic at Manukau SuperClinic™ once a week. Clinics are held in Module 7A on Wednesdays, 1.30pm to 4pm.
 
Your GP will refer you to a neurology clinic if they think you have a problem that involves the nervous system and that needs specialist help in diagnosing or treating that condition.
 
Waiting times for the clinic range from less than one month to 32 weeks, depending on urgency. 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 listed below in detail (see Common Conditions / Procedures / Treatment).
 
A history of your symptoms will be taken as well as a review of any medications you are on (so please bring these with you). The doctor may also review any old notes and previous problems you have had. If you have had turns which involve confusion or loss of consciousness, do your best to bring along an eye witness. You will then be examined, which may include a general examination as well as an examination of the nervous system. 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 doctor 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. Clinic appointments last 30-60 minutes.  
 
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.

Common Conditions / Procedures / Treatments

  • Electroencephalogram (EEG)



    An EEG is a test to detect abnormalities in the electrical activity of the brain. … More

  • Electromyography (EMG)

    EMG is a test that assesses disorders of muscles and the nerves controlling them.… More

  • Epilepsy

    Epilepsy is a condition where people have seizures or ‘fits’.  Seizures may present in many forms but are due to bursts of electrical activity within the brain.   The problem can be with the electricity of the brain on its own or due to some underlying structural lesion of the brain.… More

  • Headaches/Migraines

    Most headaches are not due to significant underlying problems but you may be referred if your GP is worried about the nature of your headaches or you are having difficulty controlling them with standard treatment.… More

  • Lumbar Puncture (LP)

    Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.  It is often helpful when diagnosing certain conditions to examine this fluid for cells and chemicals/proteins.  A lumbar puncture allows the doctor to examine the content and pressure of this fluid.… More

  • Motor Neurone Disease (MND)

    This refers to a group of progressive disorders where there is destruction of motor neurones (the nerves that control voluntary muscle activity such as speaking, walking, breathing, and swallowing.)  Symptoms include: gradual weakening, shrinking of muscles and uncontrollable twitching of the muscles.  Sensation, memory and personality are not affected.… More

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

    Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease involving the brain and spinal cord.  It occurs over time in multiple sites in these two areas of the nervous system.… More

  • Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)

    NCS are tests of the speed of conduction of impulses through a nerve.  A doctor performs the tests with a technician.… More

  • Parkinson's Disease

    Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain characterised by shaking (tremor), slowing of movement and difficulty with walking and coordination.… More

  • Radiology - Computed Tomography (CT) & Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)


    Computer Tomography (CT)
    A CT image is created by using an X-ray beam, which is sent through the body from different angles giving cross-sectional images of the body.… More

Charges

There are no charges for services to public patients if you are lawfully in New Zealand and meet one of the Eligibility Directions specified criteria set by the Ministry of Health.
If you do not meet the criteria, you will be required to pay for the full costs of any medical treatment you receive during your stay. 

To check whether you meet the specified eligibility criteria, visit the Ministry of Health website.

For any applicable charges, please phone the Accounts Receivable Office on (09) 276 0060.

Website

www.countiesmanukau.health.nz

Contact Details

Middlemore Hospital

South Auckland

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Manukau SuperClinic™

South Auckland

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This page was last updated at 11:11AM on July 23, 2020. This information is reviewed and edited by Counties Manukau Health Neurology.