[Analysis of the reasons for visits to a neurology office in Asturias].

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, the out-patient neurological demand has been growing constantly. Many studies exist on the characteristics of this in our country. However, up to date, none of them have been made in the Principality of Asturias. We have proposed to learn the characteristics of the out-patient neurological care in our area and consequently to contribute to an improvement in medical care planning.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The requests for consultation received were collected prospectively over 18 months. Annual demand was calculated using the population data. One thousand patients were finally included in the study. The following data were gathered: age, gender, origin, reason for consultation, and destination.

RESULTS

Demand for first visits was 11.94 per 1.000 inhabitants/year. Average age was of 62.04 years, the highest published to date. More women (59%) than men consulted. The most frequent age range was 75-80 years. Headache was the most common condition. Cognitive problems were the most common one in patients over 65 years. Non-neurological problems were the third reason for consultation. A total of 50.4% of the patients were not given an appointment for follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Mean age of the patients seem in Neurology seems to be progressively increasing and consequently, consultations for cognitive problems, which together with headaches, are the most frequent reason of consultation. A high percentage of non-neurological conditions can be related with a high percentage of discharges.