Your GP will refer you to the General Medical Clinic if they think you have a problem that involves the nervous system. These referrals are reviewed by the general physicians and, depending on the type of problem being referred, you will either be booked in to see a general physician, medical registrar or to see the visiting neurologist. Who you see is determined by the type of problem you are referred for.
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. These are listed below in detail.
Clinic appointments last 30-60 minutes.
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.
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 possible diagnosis will be discussed with you and what further tests or treatments are recommended. We 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 a neuropsychologist who is an expert in assessing the thinking function of the brain. 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.
