Recognising suspected neurological conditions

People with suspected neurological conditions often go to their GP with symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.  A recent survey by the Neurological Alliance(1)  found that nearly a third of respondents had to see their GP 5 or more times about the health problems caused by their condition before being referred to a neurological specialist. It also found that around 40% of respondents waited more than a year from when they first noticed their symptoms to seeing a specialist.

A new NICE guideline aims to help doctors recognise and refer people with suspected neurological conditions. Suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral makes recommendations about which symptoms and signs should prompt a referral for further neurological assessment. It also covers some examinations, assessment tools and investigative tests for helping to decide whether a person with a suspected neurological condition should have further investigation or be referred to a specialist.

(1) The Neurological Alliance: The invisible patients: revealing the state of neurology services. January 2015