Stroke or transient ischaemic attack

Stroke or transient ischaemic attack — referral criteria for Neurology services.

Eligibility

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

Clinically suspected or confirmed stroke or transient ischaemic attack with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Transient ischaemic attack(s) in last 48 hours

Multiple or recurrent transient ischaemic attack episodes in the last 7 days

Amaurosis fugax in last 48 hours

Persistent neurological deficit

Transient ischaemic attack(s) that has occurred more than 48 hours ago and within the last 2 weeks

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Internal carotid stenosis (greater than 50 percent) on imaging with symptoms (excluding dizziness alone), more than two weeks after onset of symptoms

Asymptomatic internal carotid stenosis greater than 70 percent on imaging

An old stroke identified on imaging that has not been previously addressed

Usually managed in primary care

An old stroke identified on imaging that has been previously addressed
Age appropriate, asymptomatic deep white matter disease or T2-hyperintense lesions
Chronic vascular risk factors without an acute transient ischaemic attack or stroke
Primary prevention of vascular risk