🧠 WHEN TO REFER A NEUROSURGICAL CASE
Clinical Red Flags Every Doctor Should Know
Early referral improves outcomes, reduces complications, and saves lives.
WHY EARLY REFERRAL MATTERS
⏱️ Referral timing is critical
• Delayed referral → higher neurological deficits
• Early expert intervention → better functional recovery
• Complex cases require advanced infrastructure
📊 Clinical Evidence:
Studies indexed on NIH / PubMed show that early specialty referral significantly improves outcomes in brain and spine disorders.
🧠 BRAIN SURGERY – REFER IMMEDIATELY IF
Red Flags for Brain Referral
🚨
• Brain tumors in eloquent or deep locations
• Skull base tumors
• Recurrent or residual brain tumors
• Brain hemorrhage with mass effect
• Failed prior brain surgery
• New neurological deficits after surgery
➡️ Referral Type:
Complex Brain Surgery | Redo Brain Surgery | Skull Base Surgery
🦴 SPINE SURGERY – REFER IMMEDIATELY IF
Red Flags for Spine Referral
🚨
• Progressive weakness or paralysis
• Spinal cord compression on MRI
• Failed back or neck surgery
• Severe spinal deformity
• Intradural or spinal cord tumors
• Craniovertebral junction abnormalities
➡️ Referral Type:
Complex Spine Surgery | Revision Spine Surgery
⚙️ FUNCTIONAL & EPILEPSY SURGERY REFERRALS
Specialized Referral Situations
• Drug-resistant epilepsy
• Movement disorders (DBS candidates)
• Chronic pain requiring neuromodulation
• Awake brain surgery candidates
➡️ Referral Type:
Functional Neurosurgery | Epilepsy Surgery
👶 PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY – REFER IF
Children Need Early Specialist Care
🚨
• Hydrocephalus
• Congenital brain or spine anomalies
• Pediatric brain tumors
• Spinal dysraphism
➡️ Referral Type:
Pediatric Neurosurgery Referral Center
🚑 NEUROTRAUMA & EMERGENCY REFERRALS
Time-Sensitive Neurosurgical Emergencies
🚨
• Severe head injury (GCS < 13)
• Acute spinal trauma with neurological deficit
• Stroke requiring surgical intervention
• Post-traumatic brain swelling
➡️ Referral Type:
Advanced Neuro ICU & Emergency Neurosurgery
✅ WHAT MAKES A TRUE REFERRAL CENTER
Checklist for Referral Hospitals
✔️ Experienced neurosurgeon
✔️ Neuronavigation & IONM
✔️ Advanced Neuro ICU
✔️ Multidisciplinary team
✔️ Ability to handle redo & high-risk cases
📌 Not all centers are equipped for complex neurosurgical care.
🏥 WHERE TO REFER
Dr. Rao’s Hospital – Guntur
Led by Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla
🧠 Advanced Brain & Spine Surgery
⚕️ Complex | Redo | High-Risk Neurosurgery
📞 090100 56444
🌐 www.drraoshospitals.com
📍 Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Designed for physicians, surgeons, emergency doctors, and referring hospitals.
Evidence-based • Patient-first • Outcome-driven
Learn more at the following URL
Advanced Neurosurgery in Guntur
Comprehensive Neurology Care in Guntur
Advanced Spine Surgery in Guntur
Minimally Invasive Brain and Spine Surgery
Pediatric Neurosurgery in Guntur
Advanced Epilepsy Surgery in Guntur