When you have a lot of questions and concerns, it may feel like your neurologist’s appointment just flies by. One way to make the most out of your time with your neurologist is to prepare in advance as much as possible. Write down a list of the concerns you want to discuss with your neurologist, that way you won’t forget anything during your appointment.
Before you go to the neurologist, make sure you’ve done your best to gather information about your medical history. Be prepared to talk about any past surgeries, injuries, or medical problems. Bring a list of any medications, vitamins, dietary supplements, or herbal treatments you’re taking or have taken in the past. Discuss your day-to-day habits, like smoking and alcohol consumption, your family’s medical history, and any allergies or current health concerns you’re experiencing.
Your neurologist needs to know about your past seizures to help predict the course of your epilepsy. To help inform your neurologist of past and current seizure activity, keep track of the details and circumstances surrounding your seizures in a seizure diary. You can use the following information to get started:
- Did you have any warning of the seizure?
- Were you very tired, hungry, thirsty, hot, or emotional before the seizure?
- Did you feel sick, dizzy, faint, or out of breath before the seizure?
- What happened before, during, and after the seizure?
- How long did the seizure last?
- What is your first memory after the seizure?
- Were your muscles weak for the first few minutes after the seizure?
- Did anyone see the seizure? If so, what did it look like?
Your neurologist may also want to know about your developmental history. If possible, ask family members the following questions before your appointment—it’ll be a real help to your neurologist:
- Were there any problems when I was born?
- How old was I when I learned to walk and talk?
- Who in our family had seizures, if anyone?
- Did I ever have a head injury as a child?
- Were there any medicines that made me sick?
- Did I ever experience a seizure as a child?
If you’re seeing a new neurologist, it’s especially important that you make sure your medical records are available in advance of your appointment. Here are some steps you can take to help the process.
- Write a letter to your previous doctor saying that all records, x-rays, and EEG reports should be mailed to your new doctor. Just provide the address, and your letter will serve as a written release. Remember that you cannot do this over the phone. If possible, try to pick them up in person.
- If your records were mailed, check to see that they arrived at your new neurologist’s office about a week before your appointment.
- If you were in the hospital for seizures, you will need these records sent as well.
To provide the best possible advice, your neurologist needs to have a full picture of your health—and epilepsy is just one part of that. Be sure to talk with your neurologist about your lifestyle, habits, and any special concerns or questions. Remember, if you aren’t sleeping well or feel especially stressed out, it can affect seizure control. Learn more about common seizure triggers.
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