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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou'll probably first bring your symptoms to the attention of your family doctor, who may refer you to a neurologist.
What you can do
Appointments can be brief. To make the best use of the limited time, plan ahead and write lists of important information, including:
- Detailed descriptions of all your symptoms
- All your medications and dosages, including nonprescription drugs and supplements
- Questions for the doctor, such as what tests or treatments he or she may recommend
You might also want to bring a family member or close friend who can describe what happens during your seizures.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether anyone in your immediate family has ever had epilepsy. He or she will also want a detailed description of your symptoms, so you may need to bring someone who has witnessed at least one of your seizures.
Your physical may include a neurological exam, which will assess such things as:
- Muscle strength
- Sensory skills
- Hearing and speech
- Vision
- Coordination and balance
- Seizures and epilepsy: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/epilepsy/detail_epilepsy.htm. Accessed July 25, 2008.
- Benbadis SR. Localization-related epilepsy: Causes and clinical features. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 25, 2008.
- Tinuper P, et al. Movement disorders in sleep: Guidelines for differentiating epileptic from non-epileptic motor phenomena arising from sleep. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2007;11(4):255-267. Accessed July 25, 2008.
- Spencer SS. Seizures and Epilepsy. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/100381093-11/729142684/1492/1429.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50431-6--cesec5_18072. Accessed July 25, 2008.
- Epilepsies and Epilepsy Syndromes. In: Goetz CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/100601158-3/729786871/1488/445.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3618-0..10052-9--s0170_4555. Accessed July 28, 2008.
- Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed July 28, 2008.
- Schuele SU, et al. Intractable epilepsy: Management and therapeutic alternatives. Lancet Neurology. 2008;7(6):514-524.
- Schachter SC. Surgical therapy of epilepsy in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 28, 2008.
- Schachter SC, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation therapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 28, 2008.
- Cascino G (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 26, 2008.
