Peripheral Neuropathy
Availability
North South
North West
Statewide
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 neurologists 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 Tasmanian Health Pathways website.
Emergency
Rapidly
progressive weakness +/- other symptoms/signs suggestive of Guillain–Barré syndrome
Urgent / category 1
Subacute
weakness and sensory disturbance over weeks-months
Routine / category 3
Longstanding symptoms
Red flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.
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.
Proceed to Emergency Department (ED).
LGH ED Reception – Phone: (03) 6777 6405 Fax: (03) 6777 5201
MCH ED* – Phone: (03) 6478 5120 Fax: (03) 6441 5923
NWRH ED* – Phone: (03) 6493 6351 Fax: (03) 6464 1926
RHH ED Reception – Phone: (03) 6166 6100 Fax: (03) 6173 0489
Advice for medical practitioners can be given by the Medical Officer In Charge (MOIC) - see HealthPathways Tasmania for contact information.
*MCH and NWRH MOICs request GPs call them prior to referring a patient to ensure the patient is being sent appropriately to a safe destination.
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
Next available appointment