Stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) Referral Access Criteria
Stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) Referral Access Criteria
| Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult neurology outpatient services for stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA). |
| 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. |
- Patients with acute neurological symptoms of a stroke; multiple/crescendo TIA
- New acute symptoms
- Patients with acute neurological symptoms of a stroke within the past 7 days
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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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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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- Internal carotid stenosis (> 50%) with ongoing symptoms other than dizziness
- Asymptomatic internal carotid stenosis > 70% on imaging
- An old stroke identified on imaging that has not been previously addressed
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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:
- Current medication list
- Relevant medical history
- Degree of functional impairment (e.g. impact on mobility/falls/employment/ADLs/weight loss/carer information)
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| Examination |
- Physical examination findings
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| Investigations |
- Doppler ultrasound carotid vessels
- Neuroimaging results
- ECG
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| Highly desirable |
| History |
- Discharge summary (if the patient is being referred for a second opinion)
- Indicate whether the patient has previously attended a 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 |
- LFTs
- FBC
- Fasting lipids
- BGL
- Echocardiogram
- Holter monitor results
- ABCD2 stroke risk score
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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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Stroke/TIA known or suspected with last change in symptoms more than 2 weeks prior to referral
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Category 3
Appointment within 365 days
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- Chronic ischaemic lesion identified on imaging not previously addressed
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Last reviewed: 29-06-2023