The right person for the job -- any Aussie neuros to recommend?

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87sf

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I am very new to this forum (hours) and hope I'm in the right area, but I need some help.

Without quite knowing how large (geographically) this forum is, I need help to find a neurologist that can shed some light onto my current situation in Australia.
I have had 2 seizures while I was sleeping and my current Dr isn't interested in doing any more then telling me he has no idea and giving me medication.
I live in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, but am willing to travel to other states and would like to know if there are any "Intergrative" neurologists in Australia?
A Dr that looks at bloods, diet, lifestyle, stress, medications, hydration... Me as a whole.

I want someone that is willing work out what my trigger is and not just give me drugs to dull possibly my most brilliant organ.

Please help
87sf
 
We do have some Aussie members, hopefully they will chime in. I edited your thread title so that they'll notice...

Holistic neurologists are pretty rare (they just aren't trained that way) but maybe you'll get lucky! One of our members is taking the holistic route -- check out her thread for ideas about what lifestyle factors to look at: http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f23/my-personal-n-1-a-24880/
 
G'day!!
I do not have epilepsy but I am caring for someone special in my life that has.

Yeah, you certainly do highlight that very issue that there exists some Drs who are no more than legalized "pill pushers". We see a paediatric neurologist but I do find these Neuro Docs focus just on seizure stuff and do not look at ALL things.. holistically. EG IF ONE IS STRESSED WELL.. THERES GOING TO BE MORE SEIZURE ACTIVITY..


Specialists no matter what they specialize will be usually very conventional in their thinking and tend
NOT to be open minded about alternative and holistic stuff.. so I tend to do my own research in who works for me. Yes we do comply with the need to take medications but if eg there is no need for a big dosage why take it??. I am quite resistant to medications if my Daughter can get away with it, as some of these side effects can be quite scary to read up on.

I am not from Brissie, but if you have got a very good open minded GP they can sometimes refer you to someone local.
My Daughter has Irritable Bowel so I do follow a diet that aims to help her symptoms..which helps. I do believe what you eat can affect health so its about moderation in what works.
I also see a naturopath (he has a medical background). He specializes in Cancer and Autism stuff. Another potential is a naturopath with a medical qualification evident.

I really think, to start off, is find a very a open minded GP, that you will feel confident that can refer to someone can work with you holistically.. and not just look at pill popping you. If you have no joy with the GP look up your local naturopaths who do have a medical background..theres got to be someone in Brissie..

Good luck.
 
Okay Ive read your profile.. :)

Another thing.. go find someone that is really prepared to investigate thoroughly the diagnostic stuff as to cause(s) for your seizures.. it seems no health professional has taken the time with you that you deserve.

Its time to go Dr shopping...
 
Hey 87sf!
I've just moved back to Australia and I am currently living in Brisbane. I don't know how helpful this will be but I have an appointment with my neurologist down at the John Flynn hospital at the start of next month. Where I am going to bring up this "less drugs pleeeeease,l- can we try other avenues?" topic.
Lol it's a long shot but I can keep you posted, if you want?
Out of curiosity did your gp send you to a neurologist at all?
Have they done any tests like MRIs or anything on you?
I got referred to him after getting two nocturnal seizures and being taken to emergency because of them (we didn't know what they were thats why the ambo's were call) but we were living in nsw at the time, so I am just curious, maybe it's a different system here in qld?
 
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Hi 87
I'm also an Aussie but I live down near the NSW/Vic border.
I only live in a smaller town with just 2 general neurologists, I did used to see one of the neurologists here but we couldn't get my partial seizures controlled with just meds.
My local neurologist ended up suggesting surgery & referred me to Prof Sam Berkovic, a epiologist at the Austin Health in Melbourne.

After seeing Prof Berkovic in mid 2010 then going through the pre surgery tests I had brain surgery in 2011 to remove scarring on my left temporal lobe. I see a neurologist at the epilepsy clinic at the Austin Health for all treatment of my epilepsy. I do have great seizure control since my surgery but still sometimes take auras so I am adjusting my meds at the moment to find the right med to help with the auras.
 
Hi seetseet
I do not have Epilepsy, my Daughter has, I live on the other side of Oz to you ... Perth(used to work in Sydney but).

Do let me know how you go with future Drs appointment, however, its always great to hear if someone has managed to empower themselves with less "pill popping" if they can get away with it. :)

I'm quite biased with meds coz my girl has had a few scary negative experiences with some of the antiepileptics. She managed to get some horrid side effects with Tegretol, Keppra. But some people have no issues, so meds do affect people differently.
 
Sorry Blonde Angel I was meaning to write that to 87sf, late night la-lah land, sorry about that! I will go and edit it now :) eek
 
Hey 87sf!
Lol it's a long shot but I can keep you posted, if you want?
Out of curiosity did your gp send you to a neurologist at all?
Have they done any tests like MRIs or anything on you?

Thanks for your reply.
I would love to find out how you go with your Dr.
My GP was really good and sent me to the best Neuro he knew. The Neuro was very thorough..... but only in a very narrow window.
I have done MRI and 2 EEGs and nothing came up.
I am also seeing an amazing Physio that is highly trained in craniosacral therapy and visceral manipulation and he has helped a lot.
I have narrowed it down to 2 neuros in Melbourne, but their office days are a bit all over the place so have been waiting just to call and ask some questions.
87sf
 
Hi 87
My local neurologist ended up suggesting surgery & referred me to Prof Sam Berkovic, a epiologist at the Austin Health in Melbourne.
.

I hear he is the top guy to see, but many that have worked with him are also very good. The 2 I have (so far) narrowed it down to do work with Austin Health. Monday/Tuesday will hopefully clear things up for me.
 
Since I'm still only very new and haven't explored the forum much yet, has anyone looked into CBA rich Hemp or marijuana oil?
I know some people get up tight about the name, but im talking about the high good health oil and low psychoactive oil. (all health no high).
I know its still classed as an sick bird here in Aus, but I hear the benefits can be truly outstanding. Even to the point that a UK pharmaceutical company has released a 99.8%ish pure CBA rich oil onto the market for neurological benefits.
 
I hear he is the top guy to see, but many that have worked with him are also very good. The 2 I have (so far) narrowed it down to do work with Austin Health. Monday/Tuesday will hopefully clear things up for me.
Prof Berkovic is one of the best epiologists in Australia, I only saw him for my original appt to discuss surgery & he came in to see me when I had my surgery.
The neurologist I see works with Prof Berkovic, my neuro is very good & actually listens to me which can be rare sometimes.
 
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I spoke to Dr Mullen (who has worked with Prof Berkovic) today and he sounds really comforting. He doesn't think I have a birth defect or scaring on my brain that is a cause and is happy for me to head down to Melbourne and have a chat. I am actually looking forward to the appointment. 3 weeks to go.
 
Since I'm still only very new and haven't explored the forum much yet, has anyone looked into CBA rich Hemp or marijuana oil?
I know some people get up tight about the name, but im talking about the high good health oil and low psychoactive oil. (all health no high).
I know its still classed as an sick bird here in Aus, but I hear the benefits can be truly outstanding. Even to the point that a UK pharmaceutical company has released a 99.8%ish pure CBA rich oil onto the market for neurological benefits.
Yes, I use this as a supplement all the time. It is legal in the US in all 50 states according to the manufacturer. There is a brand called Cibdex that I get on Amazon. They make capsules and a sub-lingual spray.
 
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Our government is so disappointing in that area. It is still illegal over here. Even hemp oil. I have done some research into it and would so happily take it.
If anyone in Aus knows any state specific loop holes or anything please P.M. me.
 
Really? I always think of Aus as being so progressive.

Have you tried ordering it online? The box from Amazon doesn't say CBD all over it in big letters. Unless your postal system opens and inspects every single plain brown box, there is no way anyone would know.

Or is it that the manufacturers refuse to ship down under? If that is the case then you could have it shipped to Hawaii and pay me the postage to re-ship it to you.
 
I spoke to Dr Mullen (who has worked with Prof Berkovic) today and he sounds really comforting. He doesn't think I have a birth defect or scaring on my brain that is a cause and is happy for me to head down to Melbourne and have a chat. I am actually looking forward to the appointment. 3 weeks to go.

I've never seen Dr Mullen but I know of him.
When is your appointment & is it at the epilepsy clinic which is in the Austin Health or his clinic?

Good luck, hope he can give you answers
 
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CQ,
I see him on the 7th of June. Not at the Austin clinic, at his orb rooms.

87sf
 
So at 4:30am I got up to fly to Melbourne and see Dr Mullen and now am sitting at the airport thinking about the appointment.
First of all I have to say how nice he came across as a person, but also how knowledgeable he came across as a doctor. As my wife was unable to be there he had no problems in having her on speaker phone to be apart of the appointment.
He went through my history, made observations and proceeded to teach me more about my results then the previous doctors. He took into account what my first neurologist had come up with and despite me not honestly wanting to take pharmaceuticals, ordered them in preferable options and not so much. He still thinks Keppra is a right choice, but did add another. (I would have to check my referral for the drug name) he went through side effects and how quickly I could work out what suited me.
The topic of Hemp/Marijuana CBD oil did come up and despite him not agreeing with it, he gave full reasoning why.
All in all I was very happy with the appointment and now the ball is more in my court.

87sf
 
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