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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou're likely to start by first seeing your family doctor. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in nervous system disorders (neurologist) or to an ear, nose and throat surgeon (otolaryngologist).
Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready and what to expect from the doctor.
What you can do
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance.
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. For example, your doctor will want to know if you've noticed any changes in the way things taste.
- Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent changes in your life. Also note any recent travel abroad.
- Make a list of your key medical information, including other medical problems for which you've recently been treated and the names of any medications you're taking. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have been diagnosed with an immune system disorder or if you are taking any medications, such as prednisone, that suppress your immune system. If you have access to your vaccination history, bring a copy to your appointment.
- Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to soak up all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Your time with your doctor may be limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.
For Ramsay Hunt syndrome, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
- Are there any other possible causes for these symptoms or this condition?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- What are the possible side effects of the medication you're prescribing?
- How soon after I begin treatment can I expect improvement in my symptoms?
- What is the risk that this condition will recur?
- Am I at risk of long-term complications? If so, what are they?
- Am I contagious? For how long?
- What steps should I take to reduce the risk of spreading this illness?
- Does this condition increase my risk of any other medical problems?
- I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover seeing a specialist?
- 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 talk about in-depth. Your doctor may ask:
- What are your symptoms?
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have your symptoms changed over time? If so, how?
- Have you had the sensation that the room is spinning (vertigo)?
- Has your hearing been affected?
- Have you noticed a change in your sense of taste?
- Have your symptoms included a headache?
- Have you had the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine? When?
- Have you ever had chickenpox? When?
- Have you recently been sick with any short-term illness, such as a cold or the flu?
- Are you being treated for any chronic health conditions? If so, what treatments are you receiving?
- Have you recently undergone any surgical procedures?
- Have you traveled abroad recently?
- Are you pregnant?
What you can do in the meantime
While you wait for your appointment, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), to relieve your discomfort. Cool, wet compresses also may ease pain. Take care to keep the skin around your rash clean, and rest as much as possible.
- Mattox, DE. Clinical disorders of the facial nerve. In: Cummings CW, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.; Mosby; 2005.
- Fort G, et al. Ramsay Hunt syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008: 498.
- Mueller NH, et al. Varicella zoster virus infection: Clinical features, molecular pathogenesis of disease, and latency. Neurologic Clinics. 2008;26:675.
- Herpes zoster oticus information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/ramsay2/ramsay2.htm. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Shingles: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/detail_shingles.htm#124173223. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome: Treatment. Ramsay.org. http://www.ramsayhunt.org/treat.shtml. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Herpes zoster oticus. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch086/ch086e.html. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 0-6 years - United States, 2008. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.aafp.org/online/etc/medialib/aafp_org/documents/clinical/immunization/childsched.Par.0001.File.tmp/08childsched.pdf. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
