What to bring, what to expect, and how to get the most out of an appointment with a neurologist.
The more complete the picture you bring, the less time the visit spends reconstructing it — and the more of it goes to your actual problem.
A valid photo ID, your insurance card, and your referral if your plan requires one. Tell us in advance and we will help obtain it.
A complete list with doses, including supplements and anything over the counter. Bringing the actual bottles is even better.
Recent imaging on disc plus the written reports, laboratory results, hospital discharge summaries and earlier neurology notes.
For seizures, spells or tremor, a phone video is frequently the single most valuable thing you can bring.
When it started, how it has changed, what makes it better or worse. Written down beats recalled under pressure.
Strongly encouraged for memory, seizure and movement disorder visits — they often supply the most important history.
A new patient visit runs forty-five minutes to an hour. Roughly half of it is history — the detailed account of your symptoms, your medical background, medications and family history.
The rest is the neurological examination: mental status, cranial nerves, motor strength, sensation, reflexes, coordination, gait and balance. It is entirely painless and it is where a large share of neurological diagnoses are actually made.
We finish by explaining what we think is going on, which tests are worth doing and why, and what treatment we are starting. You should leave able to explain your own plan to someone else — if you cannot, ask before you go.
On-site studies are often booked the same week. For imaging, we file the authorisation and the centre contacts you.
We call you or review findings at follow-up. You will never be left wondering whether a result came back.
Doses are refined based on how you respond, in person or over a telehealth visit.
A written summary goes to your referring physician after every visit, so your whole care team stays aligned.