A neurological exam allows a neurologist to determine how well the brain and the rest of the nervous system are functioning.
Expect your first visit with a neurologist to last about one hour. Arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time to make sure you finish your paperwork. If you are seeing a new neurologist, come prepared to discuss your medical history in detail and to undergo a thorough physical exam. Being prepared in advance will help you make the most of your time with the neurologist.
Your initial neurological exam will focus on two main areas:
- Your medical history—your neurologist will ask detailed questions about your medical past to help determine whether there’s an identifiable medical cause for your seizures. During this exam, you should share any concerns about your general health and tell your neurologist about any medications, vitamins, dietary supplements, or herbal treatments you’re taking or have taken in the past. This will help your neurologist form an overall picture of your past medical history and what factors may have caused the seizure.
- Your health and physical condition—in addition to a thorough discussion of your medical history, your neurologist will also conduct a comprehensive physical exam that may include looking into your eyes with a bright light, testing your reflexes, observing your gait and balance as you walk, and a variety of other tests. All of these will help your neurologist understand your general health and how it may contribute to your seizures.
At the end of your initial visit, your neurologist may have an idea of what the problem is. However, he or she may not make a definitive diagnosis without ordering more tests, including an EEG. It’s also possible that your neurologist will initiate epilepsy treatment and schedule a follow-up appointment. Learn more about epilepsy treatment options.
Next: EEG
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Keppra XR® is a prescription medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in people 16 years of age and older with epilepsy.
Keppra XR® is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Keppra XR® is right for you. Like other antiepileptic drugs, Keppra XR® may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500 people taking it. Patients should call their healthcare provider right away if they have depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior while taking Keppra XR®. Keppra XR® may cause extreme sleepiness, tiredness, and weakness, and problems with muscle coordination. Keppra XR® may also cause mood and behavior changes including psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and unusual behavior. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. The most common side effects seen with Keppra XR® and other formulations of Keppra® include sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, and infection. Do not stop taking Keppra XR® unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Stopping a seizure medication all at once can cause seizures that will not stop, a very serious problem.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may also report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or go to www.fda.gov/medwatch or contact UCB, Inc. at 1-866-822-0068.
Please see Keppra XR® Medication Guide and Full Prescribing Information for additional important patient information.
*With this coupon, you pay the first $25 of your Keppra XR® or Keppra® co-pay and we pay your remaining out-of-pocket expense up to a maximum of $30. This coupon may not be reproduced and must accompany a valid, signed Keppra XR® prescription. No cash value. Offer not valid for prescriptions reimbursed or paid under any government health insurance program (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare) or any private payer in Massachusetts or where otherwise prohibited by law. Patients are responsible for reporting this rebate to any private insurer that covers any part of the prescription. Offer expires on 12/31/12. UCB may cancel or alter this program at any time without notice.