Referrals are welcome for both general neurological evaluation and neurogenetics consultation. The intent throughout is to work collaboratively with referring physicians — this page is written with that in mind, physician to physician.
General Neurology Referrals
Referral for general neurological evaluation may be appropriate for a wide range of presentations, including:
- Headache and migraine
- Stroke and cerebrovascular disease
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Movement disorders
- Cognitive disorders and dementia
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Balance disorders
- Tremor
- Other neurological symptoms warranting specialist assessment
This list is illustrative rather than exhaustive — if a presentation falls outside it but still warrants specialist input, a referral is still welcome.
Neurogenetics Referrals
A neurogenetics consultation may be helpful for patients with:
- Early-onset neurological disease
- A positive family history of a similar or related condition
- A progressive disorder without a clear diagnosis after standard work-up
- Suspected hereditary neuromuscular disorders
- Hereditary ataxias
- Hereditary movement disorders
- Dementia with a possible genetic etiology
- Young-onset stroke with a possible inherited predisposition
- Patients or families seeking genetic counseling regarding diagnosis or recurrence risk
Genetic testing is individualized, guided by the patient’s phenotype and the specific clinical question — it is not performed routinely, and a consultation does not automatically lead to testing.
Referral Information
Referrals are welcome with or without a formal referral letter. A brief clinical summary or your working diagnosis is appreciated when available, as it helps clarify the clinical question and supports continuity of care — but it is not required to make a referral. Previous investigations or prior genetic testing results, if relevant, may also be included, though these are likewise optional.
An Integrated Clinical Neurogenetics Service
The neurogenetics consultation functions as an integrated clinical service rather than a laboratory referral pathway. Recommendations regarding genetic testing are made after clinical evaluation, and the testing strategy selected reflects the individual patient’s presentation. The process typically includes:
- Phenotype assessment
- Selection of an appropriate testing strategy
- Interpretation of results
- Genetic counseling
- Integration of molecular findings into ongoing management
Collaboration
Communication with referring physicians is encouraged throughout, and co-management is welcomed whenever appropriate. This consultation is intended to complement the care already being provided — not to replace the referring physician’s ongoing relationship with the patient.