Dealing With Neurological Issues? What You Need To Share With Your Neurologist

by Brent Woods

If you've been having problems with your health, and your primary care physician hasn't been able to provide a diagnosis, it might be time to contact a specialist. If your problems involve issues such as migraines, speech problems, or confusion, you need to speak with a neurologist. Not sure what neurologists do? They provide care for medical issues that involve the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Once you have secured an appointment with a neurologist, you'll need to prepare for the visit. Your neurologist will need access to the right information to provide you with an accurate diagnosis. If you're not sure how to prepare for your neurology appointment, read the list provided below. This list will help you prepare to speak to your neurologist. 

Explain Your Symptoms

If you have an appointment to speak with a neurologist, the first thing you need to do is document the symptoms you're experiencing. Your neurologist needs to know all of the symptoms you experience on a daily basis. This includes symptoms that you might have been experiencing for a long time, as well as any new symptoms you might be experiencing. Some of those symptoms might include an increase in headache intensity, difficulty forming words, or a sudden onset of skin pain. For maximum benefit, it's a good idea to write a list of all of your symptoms. Be sure to include details about when the symptoms developed, as well as information about what activities make the symptoms worse. This information will help your neurologist identify the root of the problem.

Provide Your Medication List

If you need to speak to a neurologist about the symptoms you're experiencing, be sure to provide a detailed list about the medication you take. This should include medications that you take on a daily basis, as well as those that you take from time to time. Don't stop at the prescription medications that you take. You also need to include the over-the-counter medications that you take on a regular basis. Some of those medications might include pain relievers, allergy medications, and sleep aids. If you take illicit drugs, you also need to talk to your neurologist about those as well. 

Talk About Your Family History

Finally, if you need to see a neurologist, be prepared to discuss your family history. You might not realize this, but knowing your family history can help your neurologist diagnose any medical conditions you might be experiencing. If any of your family members have suffered from medical conditions such as epilepsy, migraines, or other neurological disorders, your neurologist needs to know that information. 

To learn more, contact a neurologist like Dr. Jay Lombard.


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