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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIn some cases when you call to set up an appointment with your doctor, you may be told to go to the emergency room or call 911.
Depending on the cause, meningitis can be life-threatening. If you know you've been exposed to someone with meningitis and you have now developed symptoms, don't wait to seek medical care. Go to an emergency room and let medical staff know immediately that you may have meningitis.
If your doctor determines that he or she should see you first, it's critical to be well prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Be aware of any pre- or post-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet. Also ask if you may need to stay at your doctor's office for observation following your tests.
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including changes in your mood, thinking or behavior. Make a note of when you first noticed each symptom on your list. Your doctor will want to know if you had cold or flu-like symptoms leading up to the symptoms you're experiencing now.
- Write down key personal information, including any recent moves, vacations or interactions with animals. If you're a college student, your doctor likely will ask questions about any similar signs or symptoms in your roommates and dorm-mates. Your doctor will also want to know your vaccination history.
- Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
- Take a family member or friend along. Meningitis can be a medical emergency. Take someone who can soak up all the information your doctor provides and who can stay with you if you need immediate treatment.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Prepare a list of questions so that you can make the most of your time with your doctor. For meningitis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
- Other than the most likely cause, what are possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- Am I at risk of long-term complications?
- If my condition is not treatable with antibiotics, what steps can I take to help my body recover?
- Am I contagious? Do I need to be isolated?
- What is the risk to my family? Should they take preventive medication?
- Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover seeing a specialist?
- Do I need to take prescription medicine? If so, is there a generic alternative?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What Web sites do you recommend visiting?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- How severe are your symptoms? Do they seem to be getting worse?
- Does anything seem to improve your symptoms, or to make you even more uncomfortable?
- Do you know if you've been exposed to anyone with meningitis?
- Is anyone else who you live with having similar symptoms?
- What is your vaccination history?
- Have you been taking any immune-suppressant medications?
- Do you have any pre-existing health problems, including allergies to any medications?
What you can do in the meantime
When you call your doctor's office for an appointment, describe the type and severity of your symptoms clearly. If your doctor determines that you don't need to come in immediately, rest as much as possible while you're waiting for your appointment. Drink plenty of fluids and take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to reduce your fever and body aches. Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin, which may not be safe in people with untreated meningitis. Also avoid any medications that may reduce your alertness.
Don't go to work or school. Work with your doctor to get a diagnosis and find out if treatment is needed as soon as possible.
