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Topic: NEUROLOGIST (Read 316 times) |
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captdshea
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NEUROLOGIST
« on: Oct 30th, 2002, 6:24pm » |
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How do you prepare for the Nurologist?
I've read Cat scans do not show the part of the brain
called the Hypothalamus.
Any tips you guys can give me to be ready for this guy.
are grately appreciated.
I have all the symtoms of Ch and have been keeping a
log of the HA.
I've found the medical info.is clear for the doctor
But,not to much there in the way of examination.
Thanks,
David
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kim
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #1 on: Oct 30th, 2002, 6:29pm » |
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To prepare for the Neurologist, I suggest reading through this site and printing out as much info as possible, and bring it with ya to the doc. If he/she is on the ball - will be open to looking at it.
When you go to the neurologist for headache pain they give you this "exam"....it reminds me of the "drunk test" LOL. stand on one foot, walk straight line, follow pen towards eye ball, etc. Cat scan, EEG, all that stuff (if clusters) will probably come back NORMAL. Needless to say and preliminaries aside, it's mostly communication between you and the neuro and EDUCATION on both parts.
Well wishes, Kim
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jonny
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Insist on an MRI, it will rule out all other potential problems.
Read your ass off on this site and you will probably know more than that Neuro, print, print, print.
.....................jonny
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OneEyeBlind
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #3 on: Oct 30th, 2002, 6:53pm » |
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You might want to ask for an MRA as well that rules out some additional stuff (that's where they see the arteries). The MRI and MRA are done at the same time but are different tests. It's good you have a log of your headaches.
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Charlie
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #4 on: Oct 30th, 2002, 7:03pm » |
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Most neurologists are aliens who are only occasional visitors to this planet.
These exams are incredibly dull. Kim's description is about right. They don't do much but scape yer feet, tap yer knees, do the drunk test thing and stare a you. The scans and such take time and are even more boring.
They are harmless but very strange characters.
Charlie
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| « Last Edit: Oct 30th, 2002, 7:52pm by Charlie » |
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captdshea
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #5 on: Oct 30th, 2002, 7:07pm » |
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So it is a couple or three visits to the Neuro.
and one to the hospital for scans??
Dave
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kim
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #6 on: Oct 30th, 2002, 7:11pm » |
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LOL Charlie  for me the most exciting "test" was the EEG (i think that's what it was...) anyway, they put this goop in my hair and attached all these electrode thingies .............then.........the nurse told me to -(basically) hypeventilate-LOL -- I was instructed to breath in and out as fast as I could for three minutes (have you EVER tried to do that???) I was only about 16 at the time and ya figur it'd be no problem....the nurse (BIG NURSE) kept yelling at me and telling me if I did not do it right she'd make me do it OVER ;D Anyway, I puffed my way through and it came back-- yup--NORMAL  At least no one is yellin at ya like Mike Tyson's trainer in a MRI ;D
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OneEyeBlind
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #7 on: Oct 30th, 2002, 7:36pm » |
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Actually I only had one visit to the neuro who ordered the tests. The tests were done at a place that does nothing but MRI's and MRA's.
I should have said that the neuro said I could make an appointment IF I wanted to come back, but she contacted my family doctor once the tests were done and told her it was cluster headaches. My family doctor now writes all the scripts for me.
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| « Last Edit: Oct 30th, 2002, 7:39pm by OneEyeBlind » |
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Charlie
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #8 on: Oct 30th, 2002, 8:02pm » |
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I have been to these goofs all my life for seizures so I know the drill. My old one knew me so well, he said tests for my CH were unnecessary. I really miss him.
Today, these clowns won't do a thing without these stupid tests. My new one has me taking EEGs every year. Dr. Wright said it was not that helpful and told me not to worry. This one thinks I'm impressed, I guess. Sorry, I'm not. We're at their mercy.
Not to worry, they're usually quiet little twerps who never go outside and need help sharpening pencils.
Charlie
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| « Last Edit: Oct 31st, 2002, 1:38am by Charlie » |
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Not4Hire
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #9 on: Oct 30th, 2002, 8:14pm » |
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"Not to worry, they're usually quiet little twerps who never go outside and need help sharpening pencils. "
I like helpin' 'em find their Mercedes in the parking lot....... right next to my rusty Pinto with the Mercedes paint on my door jambs...a$$holes!
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Edna
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #10 on: Oct 30th, 2002, 8:32pm » |
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Hiya David,
Got your email.
Never been to a neuro myself. Actually had read a lot about ch and when visiting my family doc TOLD HIM what I had.
Imitrex was his answer then and still works for me.
Good luck with your visit and please let us know about it and the success I'm hoping you'll have.
EDNA
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SteveY
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #11 on: Oct 31st, 2002, 4:30am » |
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Hi David.
Re scans, an MRI will show that your brain is "normal"
The only scan that will actually show activity within the hypothalamus is a PET scan (positron emission topography)
The PET scan will only show a faulty signal from the hypothalamus during a pain state, and is used to prove the point that this is where CH originates.
All that said you won't be having a PET scan anyway, the purpose of visiting a neuro is to firstly rule out anything else via MRI.
Secondly to be diagnosed as suffering from CH.
Thirdly to get the right combination of meds to supress or eliminate the attacks.
Take as much info as you can with you, and if he offers you verapamil, make sure it's the instant release variety not the extended.
Good Luck, let us know how it goes.
Steve
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Sweet_Landings
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #12 on: Oct 31st, 2002, 9:17am » |
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I agree about the tests, they are quite boring. But a necessary thing. I am required to see my neuro at least every three months, and if I have a change I am to call her and she schedules me in within a couple of weeks from my call or gives me a phone consult. She also spends about two hours each visit with me. She is insistent about HA logs. Says that they are invaluable in letting her know what is going on.
Since it is a 4 hour drive one way to my neuro, we try to do tests and things while I am there and wait on results. I use the VA and here in Oklahoma the VA uses the OU Medical Center for all their neurology patients, so things may be a lot different for me.
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Sweet_Landings
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Bob P
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #13 on: Oct 31st, 2002, 9:27am » |
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I'd suggest printing this article:
http://www.clusterheadaches.org/library/general/management_of_ch.htm
Highlite the important parts, what symptoms you have and the treatment that you want to try.
He won't take the time to read the whole article.
They will give you all the squeeze my finger (but if he asks you to pull his finger, don't fall for it), watch the pen things to make sure you don't have some other kind of brain damage.
The important thing is to go in knowing what treatment you want.
I'd suggest verapamil as a preventative and O2 & injectable Imitrex as abortives. You can point out where the article says these are the treatments of choice for clusters.
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| « Last Edit: Oct 31st, 2002, 9:50am by Bob P » |
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BobG
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #14 on: Nov 1st, 2002, 3:38pm » |
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After they attach those wires to your head for the EEG test the nurse will say "Now just relax. Clear your mind."
Just for fun, a minute or so into the test visualize Hallee Barry naked.
About the time you’re up the nurse will say "Stop that, right now."
You reply "OK" and think about Anna Nichol Smith naked. You’ll be back down in a hurry.
The nurse will say "Stop that, right now."
Damned if you do and damned if you don't.
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kim
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #15 on: Nov 1st, 2002, 5:08pm » |
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Only if yur a BOY! ;D Although I must admit Halle Berry in Monster's Ball............I had to have a smoke meself afta that one! ;D
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The mad viking
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #16 on: Nov 1st, 2002, 5:18pm » |
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;DLike Charlie so well told us.
Just prepare yourself to meet an alien from outher space.
btw Charlie
Does every neuro living in their tiny small little world so far away from the rest of the mankind?
 ;D
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| « Last Edit: Nov 1st, 2002, 5:19pm by The mad viking » |
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Charlie
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #17 on: Nov 1st, 2002, 11:42pm » |
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Yes
Charlie
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StanTheMan
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Re: NEUROLOGIST
« Reply #18 on: Nov 2nd, 2002, 8:27am » |
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I think more neuros are leaning towards doing MRI's on a routine basis when dealing with the likes of us clusterheads.
Of course, they're mainly doing it to cover their butts, but on the other hand it's good thing.
True, in nearly all cases, those scans are gonna come back with an A-OK, but there is always the possibility of another culprit causing the pain, such as anuerism (sp?).
And there are other (rare) things that can cause the HA's too.
So, yes -- if the neuro DOESN'T want to do an MRI, I think it's a good idea to insist on it.
Now, if you don't have good insurance (or no insurance) then I can see skipping it and taking the chance.
The MRI's are REALLY pricey if you don't have coverage!
Best wishes!
Stan
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"All the days of the afflicted are bad, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast." - - - - - Proverbs 15:15
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