What happens at an initial visit w/ a neurologist?

Question

I am seeing a neurologist in the morning because my migraines that I've always had are getting worse. What should I expect at the visit?

Answer 1

The Neurologist will begin by taking a complete History and Physical exam based on your complaint. The Doctor will also do a complete neurological exam. Nothing painful, he will have you squeeze his hands to make sure you have equal grip & strength,
Check your eyes, tap your elbows, knees and other areas to test reflexes. There is more to it than that, but you get the idea.
Based on his findings and your original complaint, the Neurologist might then order more tests like Lab/Blood work up, X-Ray's, MRI or CT Scan of the Brain, Neck, Sinuses, etc.
The Doctor could also order medications to help prevent your headaches or to releive the pain when a migraine occurs.
There are many good medications out there to prevent and treat migraines, and they are relatively safe. Anyway, the tests I mentioned above are painless for the most part, except for the needle stick for the blood test if it is ordered by your Doctor.
I hope this helps and gives you an idea of what to expect so you do not worry. Good Luck!

Answer 2

My first neurologist visit for migraines just consisted of her taking a history and doing a physical exam. Your neurologist may want to do an EEG. I was scheduled for one at the time of my first visit. She then prescribed a "preventative" type of medication which worked well for me.

I had an excellent neurologist who understood migraines. I also had a family history of migraines so my visit may have gone a little easier than other peoples might.

Every patient requires different things and so does every doctor (at least in my experience) but I would assume for the first visit, all you would have would be an exam and talk to the doctor. Most tests (if your doctor requires any) will probably be done at another facility and will be scheduled for a later time.

Good luck to you. Many in my family have had migraines. My sister and brother (my only siblings) both have them as does one of their children. My mother also suffered from them.

There is more understanding about migraines now than there was when I was very young and having them frequently. There are also many more medications available. There is help out there, please be persistant in seeking the best medical care available.

Answer 3

Lots of questions. Testing of reflexes. Regular physical like exam. Will quite possibly send you for blood work and MRI or CAT Scan to rule out things such as tumors or cancer or clots. Most migraines are treatable with medications, but they must rule out the more dangerous conditions.

Also, they may train you to look for or have you do a journal of triggers to your migraines. What you are doing when one comes. Perfumes or odors that may cause. Reactions to food may cause. Sinus may cause.

Relax! You'll be fine! :)

Answer 4

The Neuro will ask you a bunch of questions about your condition, and probably do some neuro tests (point finger out, touch nose, then point finger out again, etc., those sort of testings). Then he'll decide what additional testings you might need.

Answer 5

I went to one and they tapped my knee to see my reflexes and have a cat scan