Services

Neurological Services

Neurology is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of

the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nerves.

We specialise in helping patients with:

Headaches and migraine

Dizziness and vestibular dysfunction

Neuropathy and Neuropathic pain

Seizure disorders

Stroke

Neuroimmunological conditions including multiple sclerosis

Memory disorders including Alzheimer’s disease

Movement disorders including tremor, ataxia, Parkinson’s disease and atypical Parkinsonism

We focus on providing high quality services to our patients, referrers and colleagues in matters relating to Neurology. We deliver our services in a friendly, efficient and compassionate manner. We are committed to improving patient's quality of life through a holistic approach to problem solving and health management.

Consultation

New Patients: Preparing for your Appointment

The referral process

Once you have been referred by your local GP or specialist, simply call the clinic and our staff will book an appointment in the next available slot convenient to you. Alternatively, you may submit a request for an appointment on-line, or fax through the referral with your contact details, and our staff will contact you to book an appointment.

What you can do

Write down all your symptoms, even those that may seem minor
List any medications including all supplements and vitamins
Ask a family member or a friend to accompany you. A companion may remember things you miss
Write down your questions for your Neurologist

Information To Bring With You on the day of the appointment

A letter of referral from your GP or treating specialist (also to facilitate a full Medicare rebate for the cost of your consultation)
Any test results including blood test, radiology (X-rays, ultrasounds, CTs, MRIs). Please bring the original (or copies) of films or CDs as well as the radiology reports
Letters from all treating physicians, any past records and hospital discharge summaries
A list of medications you use, including doses, and reason for taking the medication
Completed New Patient Questionnaire +/- checklist specific for certain disorders (usually emailed to you when you make the appointment)
Your Medicare Card

What to expect on the day of appointment:

You will receive an sms text reminding you of your appointment 1-2 days before.

Your first consultation may take up to 45-50 minutes. Your family member or friend are encouraged to sit in on the consultation, but this is up to you. The consultation begins with a full medical history of your condition. This is followed by a neurological examination, and a review of your investigations and results. At the end of the assessment, your neurologist will discuss your neurological problems, further investigations and treatment as appropriate. A detailed report will be sent to your referring doctor.

Consultant fees

An estimate of the fees will be provided by the receptionist at the time of the booking of the appointment. Pensioner rates are available for Age and Disability Pensioners.

Nerve Conduction Study

The Nerve conduction test (NCS) is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the body’s nerve and muscle function and assesses potential neurological diseases. The test may be performed in combination with a Electromyography (EMG) test, which together, help to detect the presence, location, and extent of diseases that damage the nerves and muscles.

During the NCS, a nerve is stimulated with a small electrical impulse, and the electrical response is recorded over the skin (sensory response) or muscle (motor response) with surface electrodes. The signal characteristic including the strength, the speed of conduction are assessed. During a EMG, a needle electrode is inserted directly into a muscle and it records the electrical activity in that muscle. These tests may cause some discomfort but are not painful.

Your doctor may order a NCS if you have signs or symptoms that may suggest a nerve or muscle disorder - including tingling, burning, numbness, muscle weakness and muscle cramps.

Nerve conduction study, +/- EMG is an important tool to help diagnose the following conditions:

Carpal tunnel syndrome - compression of a nerve at the wrist resulting in pain and numbness in the fingers
Peripheral neuropathy - nerve injury causing tingling, burning, numbness in the feet and hands
Sciatic nerve problems (sciatica)
Pinched nerve (radiculopathy)
Motor neuron disease
Muscle disorders
Neuromuscular junction disorder

Please inform Dr. Tan or the neurophysiology scientist if you

Have a pacemaker or any other electrical medical device
Take blood-thinning medications
Have hemophilia, a blood-clotting disorder that causes prolonged bleeding

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

An electroencephalogram (EEG) detects electrical activity in your brain using small, flat metal discs (electrodes) attached to your scalp.

An EEG can detect changes in brain activity to diagnose various brain disorders, including:

Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
Brain dysfunction from various causes (encephalopathy)
Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
Dementia

To prepare for an EEG:

Wash your hair the night before.

Avoid all conditioners, hair creams, sprays or styling gels. Hair products may make it harder for the sticky patches of the electrodes to secure to your scalp.
Avoid anything with caffeine on the day of the test, because caffeine can affect the test results.
Take your usual medications unless instructed otherwise.

No fasting required.

To prepare for a sleep-deprived EEG:

0-18 months - Try to book during your child’s naptime and keep awake until the appointment
18 Months to 3 years - Wake up 3 hours earlier
4-12 Years - Sleep 4-5 hours less than normal
13-16 Years - Sleep 5-8 hours less than normal
17 Years and over - stay awake overnight and no caffeine or energy drink 24 hours prior
For more elderly patients (>65 years) who cannot tolerate staying up all night, sleep past midnight (1-2 am), and wake up early (4 - 5 am). No caffeine or energy drink 24 hours prior.

All prescribed medications to be taken as usual.
Breakfast as usual.

Because children are more prone to have seizures when sleep deprived - parents are advised to bring the child accompanied by another adult, and not drive them to the test alone.

Shire Neurology