Indications for referral for clinic appointment
• Intracranial abnormality without focal neurological deficit, seizure or clinical signs of raised intracranial pressure (severe headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, double vision)
• Spinal cord condition with associated myelopathic features
• Spinal cord condition with associated radicular features and no motor deficit that has failed 6 weeks of conservative management including physiotherapy
Indications for urgent referral to local Emergency Department
• Intracranial abnormality with focal neurological deficit, seizure, clinical signs of raised intracranial pressure (severe headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, double vision) or concerning radiological features
• Spinal cord compression or abnormality with severe or rapidly progressing neurological deficit
• Intracerebral/Subarachnoid haemorrhage
• Acute ischaemic stroke
• New onset seizure
• Acute head injury
• Suspected blocked or infected VP shunt
• Features of cauda equina syndrome
• Sudden severe headache, altered level of consciousness or acute focal neurological deficit/s
Exclusion criteria
• Child under 16 years of age
• Non-specific neck or back pain, without signs of radiculopathy or myelopathy
• Second opinion for neurosurgical management unless directly referred by a neurosurgeon
Out of NSLHD
• Reason must be stated explicitly
• Resident of other LHD that does not provide the clinical service
• Continuing care of existing condition already managed by NSLHD
• Demonstrated complexity requiring services of NSLHD
• Compassionate circumstances, e.g. family, proximity, staff
The following information must be included for referral to be accepted:
• Neurological assessment
• Duration of symptoms
• Relevant pathology and imaging
Providing more information will aid the triage process and make it more likely that your patient will be seen in the most timely manner possible
Please submit referrals using the eReferral system through HealthLink, which can be accessed through most clinical software systems
Alternatively, address letters to Dr Nazih Assaad and Colleagues
Ph (02) 9463-1711
General Fax (02) 9463-4014
Email: NSLHD-Neurosurgery@health.nsw.gov.au
Referrals will be triaged and your patient will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible. This process may take between 1-4 weeks. You will be contacted if more information is needed.
Telehealth services are available, please indicate on the referral if you feel this would be suitable for your patients appointment.
