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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> First appointment with a Neurologist http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1273181929 Message started by miakate on May 6^th, 2010 at 5:38pm

Title: First appointment with a Neurologist
Post by miakate on May 6^th, 2010 at 5:38pm

Hi all, I have my very first appointment with a Neurologist on the 21st May, I have no idea what to expect, or what tests will be preformed (if any) I have been experiencing CH for 23 years and they have been misdiagnosed as migraines >:( so not had ANY treatment apart from self medication, Ibuprofen etc ( will little effect) What info should I give to the dr? has anyone got any I could print out? What tests should I expect? What medication should I mention? I'm a little worried I wont be taken seriously (past behaviour of my drs) :'( Any help would be much appreciated, Thanks xxx

Title: Re: First appointment with a Neurologist
Post by Guiseppi on May 6^th, 2010 at 6:15pm

Go to the oxygen info tab on the let and print out the info. If he refuses oxygen, you know right off the bat he knows NOTHING about CH and anything after that will be about as useful as visiting your local veterinarian!

Discuss what preventatives he is comfortable with, Verapamil, Lithium, Topmax. Discuss what abortives...besides oxygen....he is familiar with. Find out how hard it will be to reach him by phone should you suddenly need a new prescription of oxygen or imitrex. Ask how many CH patients he has seen. Find out if he's comfortable with reading literature you bring him. (Those are the best ones. I have a mountain of respect for any man who can admit he doesn't know every damned thing! ;))

Hoping you found a good one....although everyone knows...only guys get CH! ::)

Joe

Title: Re: First appointment with a Neurologist
Post by angela40 on May 6^th, 2010 at 9:08pm

I recently had my first neuro appointment. I was there for about 1 1/2 hours and the majority of that time was spent discussing my symptoms and treatment. The only test performed was a general neurological exam including checking reflexes, gait, balance, and coordination. Totally painless.
Good luck!

Title: Re: First appointment with a Neurologist
Post by wimsey1 on May 10^th, 2010 at 7:40am

Going to a neuro is vital, but can be a bit frustrating if the neuro is not up on CHs. It is up to you to be fully informed and informative. Read this site throughly, take notes, prepare ahead of time a written description (for your own recall if not for the neuro's notes) of your pain, its frequency, location, duration and any attendant symptoms. This should help! Good luck and blessings!

Title: Re: First appointment with a Neurologist
Post by miakate on May 10^th, 2010 at 4:41pm

Hi, thanks for all your replies will get myself as informed as possible, Thanks again for all your help xx