Sudden symptoms need urgent attention.
Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness or difficulty speaking can be signs of a stroke. Seek immediate emergency assessment, even if symptoms improve. Do not wait for an outpatient appointment.
Reference: NHS stroke symptoms guidance ↗Headache & migraine
Recurrent headaches, migraine attacks and changes in headache patterns.
Headaches vary in their cause, frequency and effect on daily life. Migraine can include headache, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. An assessment explores the pattern of symptoms, their effect on your routine and your use of headache medicines.
What an assessment may involve
The consultation may include a discussion of your history and a neurological examination. Any need for investigations or a treatment plan is assessed individually.
Helpful to bringA brief headache diary, previous prescriptions and a list of medicines you take can be helpful.
02 / NEUROLOGICAL CAREEpilepsy & seizures
Seizure assessment and ongoing review of diagnosed epilepsy.
A seizure may involve jerking movements, altered awareness or other unusual episodes. A seizure does not always mean a person has epilepsy. Understanding what happened before, during and after an episode is an important part of assessment.
What an assessment may involve
The doctor reviews the account of the event and existing medical records. Tests such as an EEG or imaging may be considered where clinically appropriate; they are not required for every visitor.
Helpful to bringBring previous EEG or scan reports and prescriptions. An account from someone who witnessed an episode can help.
03 / NEUROLOGICAL CAREParkinson’s & movement disorders
Tremor, slower movement, stiffness and changes in walking.
Tremor and difficulties with movement can have different causes. Parkinson’s disease is assessed through symptoms, medical history and examination. A change in movement should not be assumed to have one particular diagnosis.
What an assessment may involve
The consultation may explore how symptoms affect walking, writing, dressing and other daily activities. Existing medicines and previous diagnoses are reviewed as part of the assessment.
Helpful to bringNote when the changes began and how they have progressed. Bring a complete medicine list and previous records.
04 / NEUROLOGICAL CARENumbness, weakness & nerve concerns
Persistent tingling, altered sensation and nerve or muscle symptoms.
Numbness, pins and needles, weakness or changes in sensation can arise for several reasons. A neurological assessment considers the affected areas, the way symptoms developed and relevant medical history.
What an assessment may involve
An examination helps guide the next steps. Nerve conduction studies, EMG or other investigations may be considered when appropriate to the individual concern.
Helpful to bringMake a note of which areas are affected. Bring existing nerve studies, scan reports and prescriptions.
05 / NEUROLOGICAL CAREStroke follow-up
Planned outpatient neurological review after hospital treatment.
After a stroke has been assessed and treated in hospital, a planned outpatient visit provides an opportunity to review the history, current symptoms and treatment arrangements. This is separate from emergency stroke care.
What an assessment may involve
The consultation reviews available discharge records, investigations and prescriptions. Further advice depends on the patient’s clinical condition and existing care plan.
Helpful to bringBring the discharge summary, scan reports and current prescriptions. For sudden new symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.
06 / NEUROLOGICAL CAREDizziness & balance concerns
Recurrent dizziness, a spinning sensation or difficulty with balance.
People use “dizziness” to describe different experiences, including spinning, light-headedness or unsteadiness. These can have several causes, including inner-ear conditions, and do not always indicate a neurological disorder.
What an assessment may involve
The assessment explores what an episode feels like, how long it lasts and any associated symptoms. Examination and history help determine whether neurological care, further assessment or another specialist’s opinion is appropriate.
Helpful to bringDescribe the duration, triggers and associated symptoms. Bring previous records and a medicine list.
This guide provides general information and is not a diagnosis or a complete list of services. Investigations and care depend on an individual clinical assessment. For practical preparation, see Your visit.