Movement disorders and dystonia

Movement disorders and dystonia — referral criteria for Neurology services.

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed movement disorders and dystonia with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Acute onset of a movement disorder e.g. severe ataxia, dystonia, hemiballismus

Acute dystonic crisis

Acute akinetic crisis

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Device-related infection in people with deep brain stimulator implants

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

New or progressive tremor, non-essential tremor

Suspected Parkinson’s disease or movement disorder

Motor or non-motor complications of Parkinson’s disease leading to substantial disability

Usually managed in primary care

Movement disorders that have already been assessed and have a current management plan