If your primary care physician refers you to a Neurologist, here’s what you can expect. During your first appointment, a Neurologist will likely ask you to participate in a physical exam and neurological exam. Neurological exams are tests that measure muscle strength, sensation, reflexes, and coordination.
Your First Visit to Dr. Eddie Patton’s Office
Neurological disorders such as muscle diseases, peripheral neuropathy, dementia, ataxia, dystonia, Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis bring with them a host of potential symptoms affecting movement, daily activities and mental status, and no two cases are the same. One way to feel more in control is to become informed about your disease and to take an active role in your healthcare, which includes preparing for your neurologist visit.
Preparing for Your Neurologist Appointment
Choosing a specialist like Dr. Patton to supervise your overall healthcare is essential. An open relationship can be a powerful factor in maintaining your physical and emotional well-being for the long term. To have a productive appointment with Dr. Patton please fill out a medical intake questionnaire and during your make sure your questions are answered. Good communications will assist with the appropriate health and medication regiments so you can feel and function better despite your current condition.
Your Visit
New patients will need to complete a medical intake questionnaire, which is available to download in advance. The questionnaire will ask for details on your health history, the condition you are being referred for, and any other conditions for which you are being treated. New patient consults are approximately 45-60 minutes and will include a thorough neurological exam. Follow up exams will take approximately 30-45 minutes. Parkinson patients are seen again in three to six months.
Your Role
Only you know what is going on in your body on a day-to-day basis. Some things may be minor and some may progress over time. Your role is to provide your doctor information about your health, health history, medications and symptoms, and to report any specific changes in your condition since your last medical appointment.
Take control of your condition by being an active participant in your healthcare.
Receiving or awaiting a diagnosis of a potentially debilitating movement disorder can bring about a sense of unease and uncertainty. Despite many patients that feel overwhelmed and lost control over their life it are those who, this is a time to be active in your care. By focusing on care provisions you will out pace those who may want to ignore their diagnosis and put off seeking care. Dr. Patton will do his best to inform, direct, and track your care with you on your care journey.
