Questions to ask neurologist

[jenagade]

Hi all

I've been through a bit of a bad spell lately with my epilepsy and it has made it very obvious that I don't really know much about my epilepsy at all. I haven't seen my usual neurologist since things got really bad, I've been looked after by hospital neurologists, but I have my first post release appointment with my usual neurologist on Tuesday.

I want to ask him questions so I can find out more about my epilepsy and how to manage it but I don't know what kind of questions I should be asking. Can anyone suggest anything specific I could ask which might give me more insight on things?

 

[valeriedl]

Is there anything in general that is going on that you think could be related to epilepsy, seizures or your medicine? Some things could be any type of rash, weight gain or loss, mood problems, headaches and other things of that nature.

If you are taking any medicine and don't think it could be helping get his opinion about it any talk about changing the dosage or changing the medicine all together.

Let him know how long your seizures last, if you had any type of aura before it, what you do during them and how you feel after you come out of it.

Let him know if you've taken any other sort of medicine. For example something else that another dr prescribed or something that you may have taken that is over the counter. Cough medicine, pain medicine like advil, any sort of vitamin are some examples.

Let him know if there's anything going on in your life that could have brought on the seizure. Stress, lack of sleep, and drinking caffeine are a few things that will give me seizures.

These may not be actual questions but a good bit of the time it might lead to a question from him or you.


Let him know

 

[Nakamova]

When you speak with your neuro, be specific in describing what you mean by a "bit of a bad spell". Make a note of anything that doesn't feel right in terms of symptoms or side effects. Ask how you could improve the situation, and what your options are in terms of changing doses or medications.

Write down your questions/concerns, and if possible, have a friend or family member go with you to the appointment to help keep track of what is said. Ask follow-up questions if something seems unclear. And ask how to get in touch with the neuro if you have additional questions after the appointment is over.