How to find good neurologists/seizure specialists

[Allyson]

I was wondering if anyone knows of any resources where I can find recommendations in my area. Since I'll likely be dealing with this person for a very long time, I want to make sure I find someone good and well-respected in the field, but a google search doesn't turn anything up. So anyway, is there a list somewhere of the best neurologists organized by state? Or, alternatively, does anyone here happen to have any recommendations in the DC area?

[LuvMyTwins]

I don't know of any directory that has a list of all the specialists. Yet, I will say, that I go out of state to meet with a specialist (CT to NY). I was more interested in finding comprehensive epilepsy centers than the actual doctor.

I would check by you for centers and then research the doctors (I go to NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and am seen by Dr. Devinsky). Unfortunately, you can get into a pickle with doctors who do not have a specialty for this.

Yet, I also need to say to look "outside of the box." My doctor was wonderful at dispensing information regarding every medicine and it's percentage of effectiveness for me. Yet, neither nutrition nor alternative methods were discussed (he wrote a book on alternative methods). It is essential that you look to those areas as well.

Good luck on your journey and I hope only the best for you.---LMT

[Meetz1064]

You may have to do a little finagling within each site....sometimes they need updating, etc, but you can usually find your way to the names of doctors. It is actually a listing of the Epilepsy Centers, Level 3 & 4, nationwide.....but just follow the links....

M

NAEC link

[Allyson]

Hm, link doesn't seem to work...I get a "this page cannot be displayed" error message. Perhaps the website is down temporarily? I'll try again in a few hours. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Meetz1064]

and try again now. I just made a small editing error *blushing, shaking head* It's fixed now.

[Allyson]

Thanks! Figures none of the ones around DC are metro-accessable...you'd think someone would think to open an epilepsy center somewhere convenient to public transportation since people who need them generally can't drive. Oh well, I guess that's what fiances are for

[vapour]

Hey there. I understand, I recently found a good speicalist in epilepsy, here is how I found her.

I called up a couple of Epilepsy Foundations close by here (hopefully there is an epilepsy foundaton your area) and they told me about her, and a couple of others.

I hope you find someone great, it can be hard.

[RobinN]

Word of mouth, read articles, look at staff bios, have a meeting with a few, try one then another, and another, until one is a good fit.

I agree with the above statement. Our Doctor was very good with arranging the tests, dispensing medication, answering questions that were textbook answers. Yet the best information that I have found is online. I continue to be amazed at the amount of information availiable to me. This information can be taken to the doctor and be discussed. Alternatives are working for many.

[Chris515]

Word of mouth is a big one... in my city there aren't a lot of neurologists and most of them aren't taking new patients. I'm glad I knew someone who could squeeze me in to my current one as my old neurologist was a joke. He always acted like he had somewhere better to be and wanted to rush me out. He wouldn't let me switch from tegretol to lamictal, as my side effects were getting really bad. My university grades were slipping as I was soooo groggy and out of it all the time, and my hands were so shaky I had a hard time even writing.

He actually told me that I was imagining all the side effects, and that it was all in my head. That was it, I walked out. I was without a neurologist for about six months but now I've got an awesome one.

If anyone needs a neurologist in Manitoba let me know..

I hope you find someone good Allyson.

The information is great on this site, I am so grateful for everyone's help.

Thank you for everything you do RobinN.

[RobinN]

You are very kind. TY

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

In Washington D.C. Dr. Samuel Potolicchio, GW Medical Faculty Associates was recommended by an eforum member of the EFA, based upon positive personal experiences.

[Endless]

Another way to find a really good doc, if all else fails...

Most major metropolitan areas have a city magazine, like "NY Magazine," or "LA Magazine" or "Minneapolis Magazine"

Those types of magazines usually have a "Top Docs" issue, which lists the best docs in town, including some neurologists. USUALLY the methodology to pick them is local doctors in all disciplines vote - the peers with the most votes get the "best of" rating. It's usually pretty reliable. Here's an example: http://www.mspmag.com/health/default.asp

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

SMART idea, Endless!!!

[RobinN]

After finding a "Top Doc" at UCLA, I read some where that it is easy enough to be popular and have your peers vote for you to increase your chances of being in the Top 10. Being well liked doesn't mean that they are up on the latest, and most creative forms of treatment.

The "Top Doc" at UCLA showed signs of being stressed out IMO, and she later gave up her practice.

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

I must admit...we've had our best "luck" with recommendations. And with Arthur's experiences, we've been to a boatload of docs. (He doesn't have epilepsy...he has raging neuropathy...not from diabetes. No one can figure it out.)

[Endless]

My mom sees the local top doc for primary care, and she's GREAT. So inclusion on the list isn't a guarantee, but it's better than just online.

Another good way is to look at patient reviews on healthgrades, or other online sites. Some health insurance companies also have ratings from their covered patients. The ones on my insurance company's site has been spot on.