Neurology (Paediatric)

This condition is treated in the Paediatrics clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

Dr Tyson Ware accepts referrals for complex epilepsy and paroxysmal events, evaluation for neurodegenerative condition, and disorders of the peripheral neuromuscular system. Apart from exceptional circumstances, referrals will only be accepted from other paediatricians.

All others seen by Paediatricians should have similar referrals.

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

All referrals should comply with the referral standards and must include the following minimum referral criteria:

• Reason for referral including expectations for care
• Detailed description and history of events: relationship to sleep/febrile illness; context etc
• Detailed seizure description, duration, frequency, date of onset
• Associated problems such as cyanosis or injuries during events
• Details of current medications used to control epilepsy, if any

• Report presence or absence of concerning features:

  • Headaches
  • Focal seizures
  • Personality change
  • Polyuria or polydipsia
  • Recent change in sleep behaviour
  • Recent onset of clumsiness or poor coordination,
  • Unexplained vomiting

  Additional information which may assist with triage

  Highly desirable Information:

  • Additional history of events including post event drowsiness, incontinence or injuries during events
  • Past treatments/medications offered and efficacy including previous acute anticonvulsant management
  • Other neurological or development conditions present
  • Either:
    • current developmental status (age appropriate, some delay, significant delay) OR
    • brief comment on current school educational attainments (good, average, poor, very poor [over 2 years behind])
  • Any previous EEG results (note advice on ordering EEGs in other useful information section. Generally, it is not required to order an EEG for referral. If previous results are available, please include with referral)

Interim/GP management

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

Directed by patient's general paediatrician.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

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

? Acute neurological deficit; acute flaccid paralysis / spinal cord 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)

Seen within 6 weeks

? Suspected infantile spasms or epileptic encephalopathy

? New onset epilepsy with convulsive seizures

? Neurodegenerative condition

?Suspected spinal muscular atrophy

We will endeavour to see these patients within 1 month.

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review.

For any urgent sexual abuse/assault concerns please phone RHH switchboard and ask Paediatric Sexual Assault Consultant or Registrar on call for advice.

Semi-urgent (Category 2)

Seen within 3 months

Known epilepsy or neurologic condition with breakthrough seizures or significant deterioration.

Availability

North

Launceston General Hospital
Level 3 (Western end of Charles Street Corridor)
Paediatric and Adolescent Outpatient Clinics

Phone: 1300 977 694 (select option 3)
Fax: 03 6777 5242

North West

North West Regional Hospital
Phone: 03 6493 6300
Fax: 03 6464 1928

Mersey Community Hospital
Phone: 1800 636 455 
Fax: 03 6441 5928

South

Royal Hobart Hospital
Level 3, D Block (North) - Paediatric Clinics

Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6173 0469

Outreach Clinics are offered at various locations, but referrals should be sent to the Paediatric Clinic.