Finding the Right Doctor

Finding the Right Doctor or Motor specialist

Finding the Right Doctor or Motor Specialist

What kind of doctor should I be seeing? Many movement disorder patients recommend working with a movement disorders specialist. This is a neurologist who has taken additional training in diseases that affect primarily physical movement, such as Essential Tremor. Whereas a general neurologist may treat patients with any of more than 100 neurological conditions, a movement disorders specialist focuses on a handful of disorders. Specialists also often are affiliated with reputable universities or teaching hospitals.

How do I find a good movement disorders specialist? It's a lot like hunting for a good dentist or a good mechanic: You need to ask around. Your primary care doctor may be able to give you a referral. If you attend a support group, ask other disorder patients. You can also post requests on Internet bulletin board sites. But remember that the Internet should only serve as a starting point for your research and education, not your only source of information, since it is so often difficult to source and verify the advice you find there.

The Duties of a Neurologist Understanding Different Neurological Specialties
Neurologists have different duties which may vary a great deal according to the area they specialize in. There are a few different areas which a neurologist may specialize in such as: surgical, clinical, or research-based. Regardless of specialty, all neurologists must diagnose, treat, and monitor nervous system disorders.

Research neurologists

A research neurologist may not ever work with traditional patients. They work out of sight of the public, creating medical treatments for nervous system disorders. Although you may never visit one of these doctors, they are very important. These neurologists research how the nervous system works with other systems in the body. They also study nervous system disorders and use this information to develop treatment options for nerve disorders.

Surgical neurologists

Some neurologists focus on virtually any type of nervous system surgery. Surgical neurologists most often specialize in brain and spine surgery. Some surgical neurologists may perform surgeries related to chronic nerve disorders, but most surgical neurologists focus on repairing nerve problems such as pinched nerves, nerve pressure, or nerve damage. There are some surgical neurologists who must decipher imaging in order to make recommendations for the correct treatment for each issue. Depending on the doctor, some choose to see patients for follow-up appointments while others will refer the patient to a clinical neurologist.

Clinical neurologists

Patients who suspect they have some sort of neurological disorder will deal with the clinical neurologist first. The clinical neurologist can give an initial diagnosis. This doctor will look at all the symptoms and complete diagnostic testing in order to formulate an appropriate diagnosis for your condition. Next, a treatment plan will most likely be recommended. If the treatment is non-surgical, then you will continue to be treated by the clinical neurologist. The clinical neurologist will be responsible for monitoring and carrying out any other follow-up treatment that's needed. Whenever surgical treatment becomes necessary, the clinical neurologist will refer you to a surgical neurologist.

Always use your visit with the doctor wisely and ask questions.

No question should be embarrassing. Your questions may also help other patients. Always discuss other health problem with your neurologist.

Make a list over time and take it with you to your doctors visit.

How can I reduce or stop some of my medications?

Are the supplements I take helping or interfering with my Essential Tremor medications?
What about exercise?

Am I up to date on the newest medications & treatments for Essential Tremor?
Does my other medications interfere with my Essential Tremor?
Do certain food interfere with my Essential Tremor medications?
Concerns of living with Essential Tremor?
How fast is my Essential Tremor progressing?

What else could I be doing to stay healthy?

Preparing for you Doctor's Visit

Do you make the most of your time with your doctor? Whether you see your doctor once a year during your annual check-up or more often to manage a chronic condition, it’s a question you might want to ask yourself.

Your doctor visits are your chance to identify good health habits, change bad ones and probe your doctor’s expertise for new information that can keep you or set you on the road to healthy living.

To make the most of your limited time with your health care provider, physicians recommend making a list of topics you want – or should – discuss, including any new test results, especially if you are a new patient.

Preparing for your Doctor Visit
You'll likely start by seeing your primary care provider. Or you might be referred immediately to a doctor trained in brain and nervous system conditions (neurologist).
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do
When you make the appointment, ask if you can fill out forms before the visit and if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting before having a specific test. Make a list of:

Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment
Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history
Bring a full list of all medications including doses that you are taking over the counter and prescribed including vitamins or other supplements
Ask many questions no question is silly or wrong
Ask about exercise

Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your physician.

Write down all your information and questions. Bring someone with you to help fill out forms or fill them out before your visit.
For essential tremor, some questions to ask your doctor include:

What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Are the supplements I take worthwhile?
Are there other possible causes?
What tests do I need?
How does essential tremor usually progress?
What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
What else can I do to stay healthy
I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
Are there restrictions I need to follow?
Should I see a specialist?
Are there brochures or other printed materials I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Some supplements, including herb teas, can also interfere with your medications

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

When did your symptoms begin?
Do you have a family history of tremor?
Have you ever had a head injury?
What parts of your body are affected?
Have you had any medical procedures in the last year?
Does anything make your tremors better or worse?

Come with questions and leave with a plan

DSF does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or disability? The Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor operates on it’s on. All our donations go to DSF programs, Awareness for ET, Family Assistance Program, Suicide Prevention, and Research Grants

DSF does not offer medical advice or recommendations and individuals should not rely on the information posted on this Website as a substitute for consultations with qualified health care professionals who are familiar with individual medical conditions and needs. The Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor strongly recommends that care and treatment decisions related to Essential Tremor and any other neurological condition be made in consultation with a patient's physician or other qualified health care professionals who are familiar with the individual's specific health situation.

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