Lessons for neurologists from the United Kingdom Third National Morbidity Survey.
The Third National Morbidity Survey lists data about the primary care consultations for more than 300,000 person-years at risk. Data of interest to neurologists have been extracted from the complex tables of the Survey, many of which are on micro-fiche. Assuming that any one subject has only one neurological symptom, 9.5% of the population will consult their general practitioner about a neurological symptom each year. The five most common groups of disorders for which advice is sought are headache/migraine, dizziness, syndromes related to the cervical or lumbar spine, faints or fits, and symptoms due to cerebrovascular disease. About 7% of all patients seen with neurological symptoms are referred to hospital clinics for further advice.
Hopkins
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Research Unit, Royal College of Physicians, London, UK.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom