Finding the Right Doctor 


Finding the Right Doctor 
What kind of doctor should I be seeing? 
Many movement disorder patients are recommended to work 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?
Diann Shaddox Foundation