Urgent Neurology Clinic

The Urgent Neurology Clinic is for patients with urgent neurological problems needing assessment in a timely fashion, ideally within three to five working days of referral. Therefore, only urgent problems should be referred to the clinic. It does not replace more appropriate avenues of referral for non-urgent neurological problems. All referrals are triaged as to urgency and appropriateness for this clinic.

Referral criteria

Urgent Neurology Clinic accepts referrals for:

Symptom duration < 3 months
Progressive symptoms
IIH with papilledema confirmed by optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Cranial nerve palsies (e.g. binocular diplopia)
Acute progressive limb weakness
Headache with red flags
Transient Global Amnesia

Urgent Neurology Clinic does not accept referrals for:

Pediatric patient
Out of LHSC catchment area
Admitted/inpatient
Already seeing a neurologist for the problem/second opinion
Stable (>2-month) neurological problem
Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Movement disorders (including tremor)
Cognitive decline/confusion
Migraine
Incidental imaging findings (e.g. IIH can be sent to an optometrist to look for papilledema)
Concussion or post concussive syndrome
New unprovoked seizure -
Stroke or TIA
Radiculopathies

For subacute, non-urgent presentations consider:

Consider utilizing the province’s e-consults service
Call switchboard at 519-685-8500 between 0830 to 1630 and ask for the Neurology Consultant on call at Victoria Hospital
Indicate in your referral that if declined, the referring provider would agree to receiving an e-consult for advice
Referral to a Community General Neurologist
Refer back to a neurologist who has previously seen the patient
If concussion, refer to Parkwood Brain Injury or appropriate specialist for symptom management - (Physiatry & Allied Health) Outpatient & Outreach Services phone: 1-866-484-0445, fax: 519-685-4824
If radiculopathy, refer to EMG Clinic
If new seizures, send to First Seizure Clinic (ensure Ministry of Transportation has been notified)