FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What do I bring for consultation?

You will need to give the consultant accecss to your MRI scan imaging. If you had the scan done in Affidea, you will need to share the link to the imaging with us. If you had the scan anywhere else, you will need to request the physical disk/CD of the scan from the department where your scan was performed, and bring that disk to the consultation.

My symptoms have worsened?

If your condition has deteriorated since you have last seen any of our clinicans, you should immediately call or email us.

How do I get an MRI?

If you are seeing one of our consultants for the first time, you will have to have an MRI scan performed of your back. We can send a request for your to do a scan in a number of locations, or we can refer you to a local radiology department.

*IMPORTANT* If we send a referral and you don't hear from the radiology department in 2-3 days, please contact them yourself and organise an appointment with them to expedite the process.

SSC: 01 526 2060.

Blackrock: 1800 300 200.

Do we see patients under 18 years of age?

This depends on the clinical information we receive from your referring clinican. At times we will redirect your referral to a pediatric consultant. If you are 16-18, a parent/guardian must accompany you to clinic visits.

Where are we located?

Our consultants are affiliated with Suite 10, Sports Surgery Clinic, Suite 16, Blackrock Clinic and Mater Private, Northern Cross.

I have no insurance cover. Can I attend Neurospine?

Yes. If you are referred for injections or surgery, you can contact the finance team in the hospital to inquire on the costs associated with your operation or procedure.

Appointments

How can I make an appointment?

Your consultant, GP or physiotherapist can refer you. They can do this by post, fax or email. You will also need an MRI scan of the problem area of your spine. The scan must be within 6 months of your referral. Your GP can refer you for an MRI. Alternatively, contact our offices to arrange the MRI referral.

What should I expect?

You will be reviewed by one of our spinal surgerys and/or clinical specialist physiotherapists. You will receive an assessment and diagnosis with a proposed treatement plan.

How long do I have to wait for an appointment?

Once your referral is received, it is reviewed and triaged. This depends on the urgency of your referral, which is determined by our clinical team. The current wait times for soon appointments are 2-4 weeks with routine scheduled 6+ weeks.

Urgent cases may be seen outside these time frames (within 24-48 hours).

The secretary will contact you directly to organise an appointment.

How do I get a return appointment?

If it has been more than 2 years since your last appointment, you will need a referral from your GP, consultant or physiotherapist. If it has been less than 2 years, you can contact us directly to arrange updated imaging in advance of your consultation.

I had surgery previously and I want to be seen again?

If the pain is in the same area of hte spine as the surgery you will need further investigations including an MRI scan and possible X-rays. The secretaries can arrange this for you and an appointment will be arranged. If your pain is coming from a different area, we will need a referral from a GP, consultant or physiotherapist with a summary of the new symptoms.

I want to cancel my appointment?

Contact the main office via email at info@neurospine.ie

Please include cancellation in subject line or alternatively phone 01 526 2227.

Medicolegal appointment?

You must be referred by a GP or consultant, a solicitor request alone will not suffice. If you are a medicolegal patient, your solicitor can contact our secretary directly to discuss scheduling and fees.

Injections

When will my Injection take place?

This depends on the urgency of your referral, which is determined by the consultant. Urgent injections may be facilitated within a 24-48 hour period. Routine injection requests may be between 4-6 weeks depending on availablility. We advise you to contact the radiology department directly.

SSC: 01 526 2060.

Blackrock: 1800 300 200.

My injection hasn't worked?

It may take up to 2-4 weeks before you really start to notice relief from the injection. In some instances, steriod injections may not improve pain. If you feel your symptoms have further deteriorated, please contact radiology directly on 01 526 2060.

Can I have a repeat injection?

If your symptoms are unchanged and you have a standing order on file, simply contact our offices to organise a repeat injection. If your symptoms have changed, you will need to attend for an assessment to determine the best course of treatement.

Information Booklet

Leaflet.doc

Surgery

Fasting before surgery?

You should fast for 12 hours prior to your surgery. Do not eat the morning of your surgery. Contact your doctor the event that you do.

I have a question about my operation?

If following your consultation you have further questions, you can arrange to speak to one of our clinical team regarding your surgery. We can also provide you with an information leaflet found here.

I have recently had surgery and am experiencing pain/weakness?

If you get worse than pre-op or begin experiencing pain you should contact the ward emergency number of the hospital you attended.

SSC 01 526 2083/2329
Mater Private 01 885 8362
Blackrock Clinic 01 206 4325

I need a medical certificate following my surgery?

The discharging nurse can provide you with a cert for the duration of your hospital stay. You will have to ask your GP for any further certificates.

I need further pain medication?

The nursing and medical staff will discharge you with appropriate medication for the early post-operative phase. If you require any further analgesia, we encourage you to contact your own GP as necessary.