Rapid Access Neurosurgery Clinic
When a patient needs to be seen soon
Expedited assessment for patients who need to see a neurosurgeon quickly but don’t meet criteria for an emergency visit or hospital admission. Surgery is booked on an expedited basis when it is needed.
How to refer
Fax a brief referral, addressed to one of our surgeons, with relevant investigations to 1 (905) 228-4111. Write “Rapid Access Neurosurgery Clinic” on the referral if you believe your patient needs expedited assessment.
This clinic does not replace emergency care. Patients with an acute or progressive neurological deficit, symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, or a decreased level of consciousness should be sent to the nearest emergency department. Physicians can arrange urgent physician-to-physician consultation through CritiCall Ontario at 1-800-668-4357.
Criteria and requirements
Myelopathy, radiculopathy or neurogenic claudication
Arm- or leg-dominant symptoms with a stable or functional neurological deficit, or intractable pain that has not responded to medical or interventional pain management.
Spinal fractures
Fractures without neurological deficit.
Any intracranial blood
Tumours, non-acute
New or suspected intracranial tumours.
Trauma
Concussion, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.
VP shunt malfunction
Hydrocephalus
The patient should already have had a CT scan.
What happens next
- Rapid Access referrals are reviewed promptly by the surgical team.
- Our office calls the patient directly to book an expedited consultation.
- If surgery is needed, it is booked on an expedited basis at Mississauga Hospital.