[Neurological disorders: a primary care approach].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the proportion of neurological disorders within the overall number of ailments treated in primary care, as well as to classify them, determine the reason for their referral to specialists, and analyze the appropriateness or justification of such referral in each case. The 553 neurological visits analyzed represented 6.1% of the total (non-bureaucratic-related) number of requests for medical care. The groups cephalea/facial pain, dizziness and partial or complex seizures accounted for 60% of total. One of every three visits was referred to a neuropsychiatrist and/or hospital service. The main cause for the referral was considered clinical in only 28.3% of cases. The referral was judged inappropriate by the specialist in 13.4% of cases. The evidence that neurological disorders are not unusual, in addition to the high rate of referrals and an analysis of the reason and justification for referral, reflect the need to focus on the neurological training of non-neurologists, as well as to evaluate the appropriateness of present specialized outpatient care.