Peripheral Neuropathy

This condition is treated in the Neurology clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

• Onset of symptoms and progression, location, pain, associated weakness
• Co morbidities:
  • Endocrine conditions such as thyroid disease or diabetes
  • Systemic symptoms or known conditions
  • Medications including illicit drugs and alcohol
• Recent upper respiratory tract infection or gastrointestinal illness (in cases of acute neuropathy)

Tests

• Nerve conduction studies
• Peripheral neuropathy screening bloods:
  • FBE
  • BSL
  • ESR
  • LFT
  • UEC
  • Vit B12
  • Folate
  • Serum protein electrophoresis
  • Urine Bence Jones protein

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Neurology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Management of co-morbidities.

Nerve conduction studies may provide an answer your clinical question without need for a neurologist's clinical opinion.

Consider trial of neuropathic pain medication if pain is a significant issue such as amitriptyline or pregabalin.

Direct link to Health Pathways - Peripheral Neuropathy page

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

If you require a neurophysiological test and a clinic consultation, please complete two separate referrals and send the one for NCS/EMG to the Neurology Department Fax: 03 6173 0292 and the OPD referral to the Clinic Fax:  6234 3982. 

No formal clinical opinion will be provided during the NCS/EMG session.

Clinic appointments

🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency

🚩 Rapidly progressive weakness +/- other symptoms/signs suggestive of Guillain“Barré syndrome

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Urgent (Category 1)

🚩 Subacute weakness and sensory disturbance over weeks-months

We will endeavour to see these patients within two weeks.

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call, as per below:

• Contact the Neurology Registrar directly within hours via the RHH switchboard Phone: (03) 6166 8308

Routine (Category 3)

Longstanding symptoms

Next available appointment

Availability

North

Launceston General Hospital
Level 3 - Specialist Clinics

Phone: 1300 977 694
Fax: 03 6777 5227

North West

Unavailable.

South

Wellington Clinics
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6173 0491