Neurological emergencies in general practice: medical or surgical?

Neurological emergencies represent a common and sometimes challenging clinical dilemma in general practice. This is particularly true when deciding whether a patient is a candidate for medical management, or if advanced surgery might be required. This session will therefore outline some fundamental tips and tricks that can help the general practitioner in decision-making for neurological presentations such as intervertebral disc extrusions and traumatic brain injury, where there are surgical or medical management options. Real-life case stories and videos will be used to demonstrate a logical approach to neurological emergencies, as well as highlighting the role that both medical and surgical management options can play in the successful treatment of these cases.

• Recognise common neurological conditions for which both medical and surgical management options are available
• Describe the key clinical or neurological examination findings that are indicators that surgical management might be indicated
• Describe the key clinical or neurological examination findings that are indicators that medical management is a suitable treatment approach
• Utilise clinical reasoning to determine if referral is appropriate