Peripheral neuropathy
Emergency and immediate referrals
Referral to Emergency Department
If any of the following are present or suspected, please refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergent medical advice if in a remote region:
- Acute onset or rapid progression (over hours or days) motor impairment with functional loss
Immediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange an immediate neurology assessment (seen within 7 days) for:
To contact the relevant service, please see HealthPathways: Acute Neurology Assessment
| Presenting issues |
- Suspected peripheral neuropathy
- Progressive neuropathy of uncertain cause
|
| Mandatory referral information (referral will be returned if this information is not included) |
|
History
- Relevant history, onset and duration of symptoms including:
- Anatomical site and which limbs are involved
- Details of any pain or weakness
- Evolution of symptoms - new onset, progressive, stable or improving
- Degree of functional impairment (e.g. impact on mobility/falls/employment/ADLs/weight loss/carer information)
- Alcohol intake
- Relevant past medical history e.g. diabetes
- Indicate whether the patient has previously attended a neurology clinic or seen a neurologist, or any other specialist doctor (e.g. geriatrician, physiotherapist, ENT specialist, vestibular physiotherapist, ophthalmologist)
- If so, please attach contact details, dates and any other information and correspondence relating to these visits.
Examination
- Physical examination findings including motor and sensory signs, reflexes in limbs, gait
Investigations
- Vitamin B12
- Thyroid
- SLE
- Diabetes
If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral
Referrer to state reason if not able to include mandatory information in referral (e.g. patient unable to access test due to geographical location or financial cost)
|
| Highly desirable referral information |
- Any previous EMG reports
- Any physiotherapy assessment results
|
Indicative triage category
| Indicative triage category |
Category 1
Appointment within 30 days |
- Rapidly evolving (over weeks) neuropathy of uncertain cause, with significant impact to function (e.g. falls risk)
|
Category 2
Appointment within 90 days |
- Progressive motor neuropathy with impact on function, gait and balance
|
Category 3
Appointment within 365 days |
- Suspected or diagnosed peripheral neuropathy without severe complications
- Mild to moderate neuropathy likely due to known and treated underlying cause (e.g. diabetic neuropathy)
|
Last reviewed: 29-06-2023
More information
Email: DOHSpecialistRAC@health.wa.gov.au