Movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease and dystonia Referral Access Criteria
Movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease and dystonia Referral Access Criteria
| Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult neurology outpatient services for movement disorders including Parkinson's disease, dystonia and essential tremor. |
| Emergency referral |
 If any of the following are present or suspected, refer the patient to the emergency department or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region. |
- Sudden movement disorder involving ocular movement
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| Immediate referral |
 Immediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate neurological assessment (seen within 7 days):
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- Severe symptoms or abrupt onset/deterioration of movement disorder
To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute Neurology Assessment (external site)
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| Clinical indications for outpatient referral |
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
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- Patient aged <65 AND at least one of:
- 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.
- Dystonia, chorea, myoclonus
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| Mandatory information |
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Referrals missing 'mandatory information' with no explanation provided may not be accepted by site. If 'mandatory information' is not included, the explanation must be provided in the body of the referral (e.g. patient unable to access test in regional or remote areas or due to financial reason).
This information is required to inform accurate and timely triage. If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral and advise where (provider) investigation/imaging was completed.
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| History |
- Relevant history, onset and duration of symptoms including:
- Evolution of symptoms – progressive, stable or improving
- Evidence of tremor
- Information on patient’s gait
- Degree of functional impairment (e.g. impact on mobility/falls/employment/ADLs/weight loss/carer information)
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| Examination |
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| Investigations |
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| Highly desirable |
| History |
- Detailed history of abnormal movements
- Indicate whether the patient has previously attended neurology clinic or seen a neurologist
- If so, please attach contact details, dates and any other information and correspondence relating to these visits
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| Examination |
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| Investigations |
- Accurate neurological exam results
- U&Es
- LFTs
- Any investigations done to exclude alternative diagnoses e.g. nerve conduction study, EEG, CT Brain and MRI Brain
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| Indicative clinical urgency category |
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Category 1
Appointment within 30 days
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No defined category 1 criteria
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Category 2
Appointment within 90 days
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- Known or suspected:
- Parkinson Disease (<65 years)
- Dystonia
- Myoclonus
- Huntington’s disease
- Tardive dyskinesia
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Category 3
Appointment within 365 days
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- Non-progressive movement disorder i.e. essential tremor
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Last reviewed: 29-06-2023