Who is referred to neurology clinics? - The diagnoses made in 3781 new patients

Citation

Stone JC, Carson AJ, Duncan RDD, Roberts RC, Warlow CP, Hibberd C, Coleman RJ, Cull RE, Murray G, Pelosi AJ, Cavanagh JTO, Matthews KB, Goldbeck R, Smyth R, Walker JK & Sharpe MC (2010) Who is referred to neurology clinics? - The diagnoses made in 3781 new patients. Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, 112 (9), pp. 747-751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clineuro.2010.05.011

Abstract
Objective: Information on the nature and relative frequency of diagnoses made in referrals to neurology outpatient clinics is an important guide to priorities in services, teaching and research. Previous studies of this topic have been limited by being of only single centres or lacking in detail. We aimed to describe the neurological diagnoses made in a large series of referrals to neurology outpatient clinics. Method: Newly referred outpatients attending neurology clinics in all the NHS neurological centres in Scotland. UK were recruited over a period of 15 months. The assessing neurologists recorded the initial diagnosis they made. An additional rating of the degree to which the neurologist considered the patient's symptoms to be explained by disease was used to categorise those diagnoses that simply described a symptom such as 'fatigue'. Results: Three thousand seven hundred and eighty-one patients participated (91% of those eligible). The commonest categories of diagnosis made were: headache (19%), functional and psychological symptoms (16%), epilepsy (14%), peripheral nerve disorders (11%), miscellaneous neurological disorders (10%). demyelination (7%), spinal disorders (6%), Parkinson's disease/movement disorders (6%), and syncope (4%). Detailed breakdowns of each category are provided. Conclusions: Headache, functional/psychological disorders and epilepsy are the most common diagnoses in new patient referral to neurological services. This information should be used to shape priorities for services, teaching and research.

Keywords
Neurology; Diagnosis; Outpatients; Nervous system Diseases Patients Treatment

Journal
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery: Volume 112, Issue 9

People

Dr Carina Hibberd

Lecturer in Acute Nursing, Health Sciences Stirling