Neurology: for healthcare professionals
Commissioning policies
Additional referral information
Essential minimum tests to accompany a Neurology referral (for GPs and health professionals)
To improve the quality of Neurology referrals it is requested that the following essential minimum tests accompany a Neurology referral.
Please do not send in referrals with ‘CNS-NAD’ as detailed documentation of examination findings is essential to protect you against clinical negligency cases as the former offers no proof of what was tested - or not.
Comment on cognition: No formal tests required if good interview unless indicated
Comment on speech: Language, dysarthric or dysphonic – again not formally tested unless symptoms or obvious issues
Cranials including fundoscopy: Important – most cranials should be tested. Exclusions being:
- If no olfactory issues, hearing tests unless there is hearing symptoms and gag reflex
- X11 can be done quickly and efficiently
Sensation: Only if there are symptoms
Tone, Power, clonus: Of all four limbs
Reflexes, plantars: Of all four limbs
Cerbellum: Finger-nose, rapid alternating movements, heel along shin to toe, tandem gait
Patient information
Neurology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of conditions and disease involving the central and peripheral nervous systems, including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effector tissue.