Partnering With Your Doctor
Partnering With Your Doctor
Neurologists are doctors with advanced training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. After 4 years of medical school, a neurologist does a 1-year general medical internship, then 3 years of dedicated neurology residency training. Many neurologists do another year of fellowship training as well. To do a thorough job, a neurologist needs to know all about the patient’s symptoms and prior medical history. Then, he or she can be more effective in diagnosing and treating the problem. Diagnosing and managing a neurological disorder is a partnership between the patient and the neurologist.
Questions to Ask Your Neurologist
- What type of disorder do I have?
- How will this disorder affect my health?
- What treatments are available?
- What are the risks and benefits of the treatment? Are there any alternatives?
- How will this disorder affect my daily life and activities?
Understanding your disorder and treatment may make it easier to live with its effects.