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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffWhile you might first discuss your symptoms with your family doctor, he or she may refer you to a neurologist — a doctor who specializes in disorders of the brain and nervous system — for further evaluation.
What you can do
Because appointments can be brief, plan ahead and write a list that includes:
- Detailed descriptions of your symptoms, including when they started and if anything makes them better or worse
- Information about medical problems you've had in the past, such as strokes or head injuries
- Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
- All the medications and dietary supplements you take
- Questions you want to ask the doctor
What to expect from your doctor
In addition to conducting a physical exam, your doctor may also check your neurological health by testing your:
- Reflexes
- Muscle strength
- Muscle tone
- Senses of touch and sight
- Coordination
- Balance
Your doctor may ask you to rapidly open and close your fists several times, because this activity sometimes triggers the muscle contractions commonly seen in cervical dystonia.
- Dystonias fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dystonias/dystonias.htm. Accessed Oct. 24, 2008.
- Bang MS, et al. Cervical dystonia. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/108327421-3/763666283/1678/124.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50107-3_1714. Accessed Oct. 24, 2008.
- Stacy M. Epidemiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis of cervical dystonia. Neurological Clinics. 2008;26(suppl 1):23.
- Singer C, et al. Cervical dystonia: Etiology and pathophysiology. Neurological Clinics. 2008;26(suppl 1):9.
- Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Oct. 29, 2008.
- Swope D, et al. Treatment recommendations and practical applications of botulinum toxin treatment of cervical dystonia. Neurological Clinics. 2008;26(suppl 1):54.
- Bajwa ZH. Botulinum toxins for dystonia, spasticity and chronic pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 30, 2008.
- Su M, et al. Anticholinergic poisoning. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 30, 2008.
- NINDS deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/deep_brain_stimulation/deep_brain_stimulation.htm. Accessed Oct. 30, 2008.
