Neurosurgery

Disclaimer

These guidelines have been produced to guide clinical decision making for general practitioners (GPs). They are not strict protocols. Clinical common-sense should be applied at all times. These clinical guidelines should never be relied on as a substitute for proper assessment with respect to the particular circumstances of each case and the needs of each patient. Clinicians should also consider the local skill level available and their local area policies before following any guideline.

Introduction

Neurosurgery at PCH manages surgical conditions within the brain and spinal cord. Conditions such as:

Brain tumours
Spinal cord tumours
Hydrocephalus and other ventricular conditions
Chiari Malformations
Syringomyelia
Spinal Dysraphism/ Tethered Cords
- NB: if the child requires a multidisciplinary approach(urology, paediatricians, physio, education etc) then referral to our Spinal rehab unit may be more appropriate.

We do not manage back pain, nor bony/disc pathology of the spine. (ie anterior axial spine).

To help prevent delays

Cranial synostosis referrals should go to the Craniofacial unit
Epilepsy referrals should first go to Neurology/Epilepsy program.

Pre-referral investigations

Relevant imaging for the referral. eg US or CT, at least OR +/- MRI.

When to refer

New patients under the age of 16
Brain tumour patients under the age of 18.

How to refer

Routine non-urgent referrals from a GP or a Consultant should go to the Central Referral Service
Routine non-urgent referrals from a nurse practitioner, non-medical referrers or private hospitals go to the PCH Referral Office.
Urgent referrals (e.g. raised intracranial pressure) should be referred to PCH ED for assessment.

Essential information to include in your referral

Clinical symptoms and signs relevant to the referral
Results of relevant imaging
Include history of previous Neurological operations and imaging if any.

Referring department

Neurology

Reviewer/Team:	Dr Sharon Lee and Dr Simon Williams - Neurology	Last reviewed:	Jan 2021
		Review date:	Jan 2024
Endorsed by:	CPAC	Date:	Jan 2021

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