When you first meet with your neurologist here, they will examine your medical history and ask about your symptoms.
They will want to know things like:
- What symptoms you have;
- When these symptoms first appeared;
- Whether your symptoms have been getting worse ;
- How your symptoms are affecting daily life, and
- Whether you have received any treatment.
A physical examination may also be carried out when required.
All of these factors will help determine what (if any) additional investigations you may be referred for. These may include:
- An MRI of spine and/or brain;
- An electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction test (NCS). These test for nerve damage in the peripheral nerves (those outside your brain and spinal cord);
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) – this measures electrical activity in the brain. It can be helpful when investigating conditions like epilepsy;
- Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) test – this measures the speed at which your brain responds to visual signals;
- Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP) test – this can be helpful when investigating certain causes of numbness in the arms and legs, and
- Blood tests.
Any of these investigations can be arranged for you by your neurologist at The Alexandra Hospital. They will performed at the earliest possible opportunity. Many of them will be carried out in our dedicated Clinical Neurophysiology Department and reported on by experienced Consultant Clinical Neurophysiologists or Consultant Radiologists.
After any results are back, you will meet once more with your neurologist to talk through them and to explore possible treatment options. You will always have the information you need to make an informed choice about treatment. If you have any questions, you will be able to talk these through with your neurologist.
Due to the nature of neurological conditions, referral to specialists in other fields like ophthalmology, ENT, cardiology and neurosurgery may sometimes be needed. With over 600 consultants at The Alexandra Hospital, as well as a great number of other healthcare professionals, you will always see the most appropriate specialist.