Did you know that the brain only using 10% is a myth? Your brain is quite active, even while you sleep.
If there’s a problem with the nervous system, your body might not be operating at its full capacity. This could lead to several problems, such as neuropathy and more.
Seeking care right away is important, but how can you choose the right facility? Read this guide on what to look for in neurological care today to find the ideal doctor.
- Education and Training
Before they can treat neurological disorders, your neurologist needs to go through intense training and education. Find out what board certification they have. If they’re board-certified, they’re set by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
They’ll need to earn a Bachelor’s Degree before starting medical school. Next, they attend an Osteopathic or Allopathic medical school.
After medical school, they complete their residency for three years. Many will attend fellowships to receive subspecialties such as headache medicine, epilepsy, etc.
Some conditions they help include:
- Dizziness
- TIA
- Gait disorders
- Skeletal disorders
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Movement disorders
- Stroke
- Empathy and Understanding
A good neurologist will listen to their patients and empathize with their symptoms. They’ll answer your questions and provide you relief for your concerns. If you don’t like the bedside manner of your neurologist, consider finding one better suited to your needs.
Ensure that they take the time to listen to your needs. Remember that it might take time to find the culprit of your symptoms. Some neurologists will be specialists who only focus on certain parts of the body.
A good neurologist will ask you questions to get to the bottom of your symptoms. Remember that you might need bloodwork done before nerve tests. Bring labwork as well as information regarding your medications and current conditions.
- Insurance Coverage
Find out what insurance plans the neurological facility covers. If they don’t, you might have to pay out of pocket.
If you don’t have insurance, see their available finance options. You can also reach out to CareCredit. CareCredit will pay for the visit (if you’re approved), and then you pay them back over time.
- Ask Questions
Ask questions, including the type of insurance they accept, their specialties, and more. Find out the form of communication they have with their patients. Communication could be through email, a patient portal, or the phone.
Check their office hours and the location of the office. You won’t want somewhere too far from home or the office, especially if you must go a few times. See if they have a specialization in what you’re going through.
Some other questions:
- What are my treatment options?
- What treatment options do you have available?
- How long have you been in practice?
- What about prescriptions?
- Will you work with my other doctors?
- Get Referrals
Reach out to family and friends to see who they’d recommend. Remember that their idea of a great doctor might differ from yours. They might have gone for different reasons as well.
Check reviews online and the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau allows you to ensure there are no reports against them.
While one negative review isn’t a red flag, watch out for continual complaints. See what specialties the neurology office offers and if it matches what you need.
Check online for neurologists in your area and see their reviews. You could also reach out to your doctors and see their recommendations.
Organizations might have in-house doctors of various specializations. Consider reaching out to a private clinic and receiving a consultation. It’s best to make an appointment with multiple doctors to make a comparison.
- Consider Support Staff
Consider the nurses and front office staff of the location. You’ll want a location you’ll feel comfortable with if you have questions about your bill, appointment, etc. You’ll want an office with a nurse who will answer questions you might have about medication or upcoming tests.
- Consider Tests
Find out what tests or services they offer. They might suggest you receive a nerve biopsy to analyze nerve damage. This will tell them if there’s damage to that nerve or something else.
Neurologists might have you receive electrodiagnostic tests. A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests for nerve damage.
The medical professional will place patches on your skin. The patches send small electrical signals to stimulate the nerve and record your body’s reaction.
Electromyography (EMG) is a common test. A needle is inserted into your nerve to record the electrical signal.
Your doctor might be able to see nerve damage depending on how you walk or lift your arms. Neurologists might have you press against their palms, walk across the room, track an object with your eyes, or pick something up. These are all to check for nerve damage.
What To Look For in Neurological Care
This guide should give you a good understanding of what to look for in neurological care. Take your time speaking to various neurologists in your area to find the right one for you.
See how you feel speaking to them and ask about their experience with similar symptoms to yours. Are you tired of neurologic pain or symptoms and want to understand what’s happening?
Or do you finally want treatment for your condition? Say goodbye to constant nerve symptoms and hello to neurologic treatment!
Contact us today. We understand that each patient is unique, so we’ll develop an action plan to best suit your needs.