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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
To make the most of the time you have with your doctor, make 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:
- Muscle strength
- Sensory skills
- Hearing and speech
- Vision
- Coordination and balance
- Frontal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy Foundation. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/types/syndromes/frontallobe.cfm. Accessed July 29, 2010.
- 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 29, 2010.
- Benbadis SR. Localization-related (partial) epilepsy: Causes and clinical features. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 29, 2010.
- Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed July 29, 2010.
- Patrikelis P, et al. Neurocognitive and behavioral functioning in frontal lobe epilepsy: A review. Epilepsy & Behavior. 2009;14:19.
- Aminoff MJ, et al. Nervous system disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment. New York, N.Y. McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=12507. Accessed July 29, 2010.
- Schachter SC. Surgical therapy of epilepsy in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 29, 2010.
- Schachter SC, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation therapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 29, 2010.
- Sirven JI (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz. Aug. 5, 2010.
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