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| Preparing for your first exam |
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| If you think you may have epilepsy, the first step is to see your doctor or a neurologist. Expect to complete a list of questions, asking about any surgery you've had, medical problems, medicines you've taken, allergies, habits (like smoking and alcohol), and illnesses in your family. That's why it's best to review your medical history with people who are close to you before your visit. |
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| Here are some questions you may want to ask your family members: |
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Were there any problems when I was born? |
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How old was I when I learned to walk and talk? |
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Who in our family had seizures, if anyone? |
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Did I ever have a head injury as a child? |
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Were there any medicines that made me sick? |
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| Knowing these answers ahead of time can truly help you in the long run. |
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| Knowing your doctor's role |
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| Your neurologist will begin with 2 main subjects of interest: |
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History—you will be asked questions about your medical past to see if there is an underlying cause for your seizures. Your doctor will also want to know about your general state of health and current medicines to see if these factors may have caused a seizure. |
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Physical—during this exam, your doctor will look into your eyes with a bright light, tap your reflexes, and ask you to walk. This exam is the longest and most complex of all medical exams. |
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| At the end of the visit, you may find out what your doctor thinks the problem is. There may not be a diagnosis until you finish more tests. You also may need to take medication for your epilepsy and return for a follow-up visit. |
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| Expect your first visit with a neurologist to last for about one hour. Arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time to make sure you finish your paperwork. |
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| If you are visiting a new doctor |
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| Try to make sure your records get to the new office before you do. Here are things you can do to help the process: |
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Write a letter to your previous doctor saying that all records, x-rays, and EEG reports should be mailed to your new doctor. Just provide the address, and your letter will serve as a written release. Remember that you cannot do this over the phone. Of course, it would be even better if you can pick them up in person |
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If your records were mailed, check to see that they arrived at your new doctor's office about a week before your appointment |
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If you were in the hospital for seizures, you will need these records sent as well |
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