First appointment expectations.

Based on my experience, this can be a tough question.

It depends on why you're seeing a neurologist. If it's something really urgent, they may request an MRI or other tests immediately.

But if it's less so, you will probably be sent for tests later. The neurologist will probably perform an initial evaluation and take it from there.

Again, it depends on several factors. I would suggest going in with an open mind (no pun intended) and try not to stress yourself out beforehand.

Good luck!

@alabamalady79
My experience is that the initial appointment is longer to gather history, current symptoms, clinical exam, testing reflexes, watching you walk, checking pain points, etc. No testing is usually done, like EMG/nerve conduction studies/biopsy/MRI, etc. and are scheduled separately once the neurologist determines what is needed for diagnosis. You may get a lab slip for bloodwork and prescription depending on current symptoms to get after your appointment.

Bring a good list of history, current symptoms/medications, and questions with you. If you have someone who can attend the appointment with you to listen, take notes and remind you of things, that could help.

As others have said, it totally depends on your situation. My daughter had a Monday morning appointment and we were told to plan for 5-7 business days. The appointment was over an hour with a thorough history taken from both the nurse and neurologist. A plan was made and an MRI was scheduled followed by an EMU in patient visit. All other testing was done in patient and we left Friday. It was the most efficient process I have ever witnessed and I was kept fully informed the entire time. The next time we went it was the same timeframe-Monday through Friday.

I hope you find your answers!

It depends on why you’re going there. You call and see the length of time your appointment is schedule for. The patient portal should indicate that and what you have to do to prepare for it

Depends on the symptoms that you have. Are you willing to share your symptoms? Then we will be better informed and able to give encouragement.

Yes, it really depends on your symptoms. But be prepared to talk to them. I wasn’t, and almost blew a first appointment. After my initial meningioma surgery rehab, I went to a new to me neurologist. He did a few “touch your nose”, “ touch my finger” tests and then wanted to talk. But he chose a controversial topic which was in the current news. It was related to my work and I shut down, thinking “I can’t possibly talk about this”. I could see his mental notes, “ patient cannot communicate; maybe not able to think”. But he’s a good doctor and as a last ditch effort, changed the subject to religion. We had a nice conversation.

A basic neurology exam, will probably be performed, by the neurologist, and a thorough history of symptoms will probably be asked of you! It’s important to let the neurologist know about minor and major symptoms, that may be bothering you! History, regarding coming up with a diagnosis, in Neurology, is particularly important! For example, the Neurologist might ask you, if you have fasciculations on your forearm, would it be both arms or just one, which one, and how frequent are the fasciculations? So, keep in mind, thar even what you might think is an insignificant symptom, could be a clue, to the Neurologist, that helps them to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together, so to speak, coming up with a correct diagnosis! Good luck with your first Neurology appointment!