Neurology Consults

What is a “traditional” neurology consultation?

A traditional neurology consultation often occurs in a neurology medical clinic or office setting. During the consult procedure, the neurologist gathers relevant information about past and recent medical events from the patient. These events specifically relate to nervous system function. The neurologist typically performs a physical exam so that he or she can assess how the nervous system is working in real-time.  

Based on a detailed and specific exam, the neurologist will make either a possible or definite diagnosis.

• The neurologist may recommend further testing.

• The neurologist may devise a specific treatment plan

• The neurologist may provider on-going care for the patient.

What is a “tele-neurology” consultation?

Urgent or emergency guidance about a neurological problem or patient situation is sometimes needed.  Tele-neurology is used when health care systems do not have an available neurology specialist on-site to see their patient with emergency neurological conditions. An example of a medical emergency that often calls for tele-neurology consultation is stroke.

Tele-neurology can also provide patient follow-up for non-emergency neurological conditions, such as migraines, neuropathy or dementia.

What is a “hospital neurology” consultation?

Patients with neurological problems are often admitted to the hospital under the care of non-neurological physicians. Neurology hospital consultations occur when the hospital team requests a neurologist’s input in order to make a correct diagnoses and or to revise treatment plans.