The most effective doctor-patient relationships depend on open, comfortable communication. In an ideal situation, a patient and neurologist work as a team to make the most of epilepsy treatment, with the patient providing feedback on side effects and seizure control and the neurologist alerting the patient to treatment options that may be appropriate.
If your epilepsy is being treated by a primary care provider or family doctor, you may want to see a specialist. A variety of neurologists and specialists treat epilepsy. These include adult and pediatric epileptologists, physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, and adult and pediatric neurologists, physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system, including epilepsy. Epilepsy treatment is often provided in a specialized Epilepsy Center, where a treatment team of specialists in multiple fields offer a full range of treatment options.
Consider your relationship with your neurologist a partnership, with each of you responsible for informing and supporting the other. Your neurologist is the expert on epilepsy, and offers extensive knowledge of epilepsy, seizures, and treatment options that may be right for you. You, on the other hand, are the expert when it comes to your personal experience with epilepsy. Only you can provide the specific information and feedback your neurologist needs to provide the best treatment advice possible. After all, a neurologist may be able to read your brain waves, but reading your mind is impossible!
Because there are many treatments to choose from, your neurologist needs as much information as possible to recommend the best treatment options. Working together to identify side effects and diagnose seizures types and patterns could make a significant difference in your quality of life.
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Like any important relationship, the doctor-patient relationship depends on trust, open communication, and a level of comfort with one another. If you aren’t achieving the seizure control you want or find treatment side effects overwhelming, let your neurologist know. Speak up if you’re feeling rushed during your appointments or don’t think your neurologist understands your concerns. It may be helpful to talk with a nurse at your neurologist’s practice; he or she might be able to help address any problems.
Ultimately, your neurologist depends on you for accurate, reliable information to make the best treatment decisions. You may feel embarrassed to admit you’ve forgotten to take your medications, but don’t let that stop you! Your neurologist may be concerned or may worry that you won’t experience the full benefits of your seizure medicine, but he or she will appreciate your honesty.
Likewise, if you want to explore different treatment options, be sure to let your neurologist know. Remember, you need to find a neurologist with whom you feel comfortable. If you’re looking for a specialist, the Epilepsy Foundation offers a state-by-state directory of epileptologists and Epilepsy Centers. Visit the Epilepsy Foundation to find a specialist.
Help your neurologist help you. Keep a detailed record of any seizures you experience and maintain current health records.
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