How to Talk to Your Neurologist

Being an advocate for your health requires establishing a partnership with your doctor. An open dialogue is essential in establishing a relationship and needs to include such things as asking questions, providing health information and following recommendations. Neurologists treat and diagnosis nervous system issues in the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles and treating these disorders effectively requires lots of communication. Schedule an appointment with your neurologist and come prepared by asking questions, bringing a friend or family member and providing all your health care records.

Instructions

• 1

  Schedule an appointment with your neurologist to discuss your health concerns. Tell the office that you have questions for the doctor and that you would like a time and day where the doctor can spend some extra time with you. Arrive to your appointment early to fill out any paperwork so that you will get all your allocated time to talk to the neurologist.

• 2

  Gather all your medical records prior to appointment. Records to bring should include such things as medications taken with dosage amounts and times, over-the-counter medications and supplements you take, information on any other medical conditions you have and any lab or test results. This information will allow the doctor to treat you effectively and answer questions more accurately.

• 3

  Write a list of questions down on paper. Put them in order of importance, in case you do not get to them all. Questions to ask are such things as how will condition affect my health, what is the treatment and what are the side effects, what are other treatment options and how will daily life change.

• 4

  Bring a friend or family member with you to the appointment. This person can take notes, listen with you or ask additional questions. If there is something you do not understand, ask the neurologist for clarification, written materials or a website to get more information. Do not be embarrassed or afraid to ask questions: it is important for you to understand your diagnosis and treatment options.

• 5

  Review the information while it is still fresh in your mind, as soon as you get home to make sure it is all clear. Call your neurologist if you have forgotten or are confused about something, have additional questions or are having side effects from treatment. If the neurologist is not available, ask to have your call returned as soon as possible.