questions to ask a neurologist?

hi louise, I might be able to offer some assistance. I had a stroke 2 yrs. ago at the age of 37 due to a 12" clot that hemmorhaged in my brain. My memory was affected as well as my entire right side...extremely weak and paralyzed on my right leg for a short time. Speech was ok but I couldn't say the words I wanted but could picture what it they were, handwriting was bad so hubby helped at times, etc.

I'd write down (rather hubby did for a time) questions before I saw the neurologist so that I wouldn't forget. Maybe these can help you out as well:

1. I am taking (name of medications for stroke). how long

will I be on this? months? yrs.? lifetime? will it interact

w/any of the current medications I am taking?

2. What side effects should I be looking for w/the meds you prescribed and should I call you STAT if they occur or go straight to the ER?

3. How long am I to be in rehab for physical and occupational therapy (speech therapy)? can you recommend a good facility that you'd refer your family membes to?

4. what caused my stroke? were any blood tests done to see if it's hereditary or just a one time occurance?

5. what can I take for pain due to the stroke? can you write me a script for it?

6. Will there be anymore tests done to see if the clot is shrinking such as a CT or MRI? if so, when? months? yrs.?

7. Will I have to have alot of bloodwork due to the coumadin I'm on? How often?

8. What can I do at home? what are my restrictions?

can I drive? do chores, work? exercise?

I have my medical hx saved to disk w/my name and MAIN DX ex--for me it's Crohns but then I added my clotting disorder. Be sure to give the neurologist a list of all of his doctors, their addresses, phone/fax nubmers, what meds he is one, name of meds that he has a reaction to such as rash, bleeding, etc.name/address of pharmacy.

Then on the 2nd sheet put name on it and DX in case it gets separated then a list of all hospitalizations that would include: inpts, ER visits that led to be admitted for observation, blood transfusions in the hospital or MD office, & other stuff you feel is important. I have a file of life sticker on my back door as well as on my refrigerator. I update my lists each time I see my doctors & my treatments are changed. I even carry an ER ID card in my purse and a printout in case I can't speak.

I designed a table that was easy to read for all of my doctors and they loved it since they can treat me immediately when I call them with problems or contact another physician to make sure their treatments won't interact w/the others.

I chose my neurologist who was referred by my neurosurgeon & was within the system I go to (we have 2 systems--Catholic or private healthcare). I asked the surgeon's staff, even the neurologist's secretary if the neuro had a good bedside manner & wouldn't have a problem w/my team of MDs (sometimes personalities clash).

I also looked up on the internet(provied site for you) for a stroke support group in my area b/c I wanted to speak to a survivor in my area and attend support group meetings. The American Heart Association was great. They contact a survivor for me and she cld me the next day. Turns out she's 25 minutes from me. It really helped to know I wasn't alone and scared. They encourage family to attend meetings to learn about strokes so you can look into a group for yourself as well.

I will keep you both in my prayers. I know it's hard b/c of what I put my dear husband through. I can only imagine the same for you.

Let them do the full exam of your husband first. Most of these people are really thorough and will answer everything without your asking. Should a question come up in your mind as the doctor is talking, stop them and ask what you want to know. That's the best course, UNLESS the doctor specifies that you wait until they're done talking to you (that's rather weird, and I would go for another opinion if they do that).