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        New Message Board Archives >> 2002 Posts >> NEUROLOGIST
        
(Message started by: David Shea on Oct 30^th, 2002, 6:24pm)

Title: NEUROLOGIST
Post by David Shea on Oct 30^th, 2002, 6:24pm

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

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by kim on Oct 30^th, 2002, 6:29pm

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

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by jonny on Oct 30^th, 2002, 6:32pm

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

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by OneEyeBlind on Oct 30^th, 2002, 6:53pm

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.

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by Charlie on Oct 30^th, 2002, 7:03pm

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

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by David Shea on Oct 30^th, 2002, 7:07pm

So it is a couple or three visits to the Neuro.
and one to the hospital for scans??
Dave

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by kim on Oct 30^th, 2002, 7:11pm

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

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by OneEyeBlind on Oct 30^th, 2002, 7:36pm

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.

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by Charlie on Oct 30^th, 2002, 8:02pm

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

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by Not4Hire on Oct 30^th, 2002, 8:14pm

"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!

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by Edna on Oct 30^th, 2002, 8:32pm

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

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by SteveY on Oct 31^st, 2002, 4:30am

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

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by Sweet_Landings on Oct 31^st, 2002, 9:17am

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.

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by Bob P on Oct 31^st, 2002, 9:27am

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.

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by BobG on Nov 1^st, 2002, 3:38pm

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.

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by kim on Nov 1^st, 2002, 5:08pm

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

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by Svenn on Nov 1^st, 2002, 5:18pm

;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 :)

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by Charlie on Nov 1^st, 2002, 11:42pm

Yes ::)

Charlie

Title: Re: NEUROLOGIST
Post by StanTheMan on Nov 2^nd, 2002, 8:27am

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 :)