Go to whole of WA Government Search
Facial nerve palsy / Bell’s palsy Referral Access Criteria

Facial nerve palsy / Bell’s palsy Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult neurology outpatient services for facial nerve palsy/Bell's palsy.  
Emergency referral
If any of the following are present or suspected, refer the patient to the emergency department or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region.
  • Ear conditions with associated neurological signs (i.e. facial palsy) 
Immediate referral
Orange exclamation mark in triangle: orange alertImmediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate neurological assessment (seen within 7 days):
  • Nil
To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute Neurology Assessment (external site)
Clinical indications for outpatient referral
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
  • Complicated facial nerve palsy (i.e. not isolated acute Bell’s palsy)
  • Bell’s palsy worsening, recurrent or new symptoms/signs develop
Mandatory information
Referrals missing 'mandatory information' with no explanation provided may not be accepted by site. If 'mandatory information' is not included, the explanation must be provided in the body of the referral (e.g. patient unable to access test in regional or remote areas or due to financial reason).

This information is required to inform accurate and timely triage. If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral and advise where (provider) investigation/imaging was completed.
History
  • Neurology/neurosurgery history
  • Details of previous treatment (including systemic and topical medications prescribed) including the course and outcome of the treatment  
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  •  Diagnostic audiology assessment (where available and providing it will not cause significant delay)           
Highly desirable
History
  • Nil            
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • Fine cut/slice CT scan of temporal bone results 
Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

  • Lower motor neuron palsy AND any of the following:
    • hearing loss
    • suspected other cranial nerve involvement
  • Lower motor neuron palsy and otalgia and/or otorrhoea
  • Vesicles in tympanic membrane and otalgia and/or otorrhoea
  • Perineural spread from cutaneous SCC with or without sensory changes e.g. tingling, numbness
  • Facial palsy associated with trauma

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

  •  No defined category 2 criteria

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

  •  No defined category 3 criteria 
Exclusions
Useful information
  • Nil             

Feedback

If you would like to submit feedback on the contents of the Referral Access Criteria, please complete this form.

Last reviewed: 29-06-2023
wa.gov.au