Neurologist Visit

I already blogged about Silent Seizures, and was talking to some people about what to prepare for when they go to a neurologist visit. Here are a couple ideas!

To Bring to the Visit:

• A list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins
• A list of all symptoms, no matter if they seem related to seizures or not. Difficulty gaining weight? Too much sleep? Too little? Irritability? Write them all down!
• Your list of questions

Tracking Chart:

• For a tracking chart, I tried to track symptoms for about a week (and sent the paper with her to school and therapy)
• See how often seizure symptoms occur
• Describe each seizure (hard blinking, vacancy in eyes, blank stare, "zoning out", disorientation, etc)
• How long did each episode last? (It may just be a few seconds)
• Is your child aware of the seizures? (as far as you can tell)

This if for a grand mal seizure

Sample Questions:

• What is the most likely cause of these symptoms/ seizures? What are other possibilities?
• Can you explain to me, simply, what is going on?
• Is an MRI recommended? Genetic testing?
• Is this temporary, or long-lasting? What is the likelihood that these seizures will be "outgrown"?
• What treatments are available, and what do you recommend?
• Are there alternatives to this treatment? Is there a generic brand that is cheaper and just as effective for medication?
• How long will the medication need to be taken? (frequency, dosage, etc)
• How will we know if the treatment is working if I can't always tell seizures are happening?
• What are the side effects from this medication?
• Could my child develop grand mal (convulsive) seizures?
• Are there any activity restrictions?
• Do you have a brochure/ printed material I could have?
• What websites do you recommend for me to do more research?