Peripheral Neuropathy
Outpatients | NeurologyThis 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