Patients seeking medical advice from a physician/neurologist should do their part to assure that complete and accurate information is relayed to the clinician. Listed below are some suggestions that will help the patient receive the best care possible, while also helping the clinician achieve the best diagnosis and prescribe the best treatment regiment possible.

Be sure that you really want to get the problem resolved, and that "getting better" is your main goal.

If you have feelings of conflict, or feel that what your clinician tells you may be having a negative effect on other things that are important to you, let them know.

Do not miss your appointments if at all possible.

If you must, reschedule as far in advance as possible.

Take any medications that you are prescribed according to the physician's directions and instructions.

Report any and all symptoms as completely and honestly as you are able.

If you have symptoms that you believe may remotely be related to the problem, but are not sure, do not omit them from your discussion with your doctor.

Follow your neurologist's instructions and suggestions as closely as possible.

If you have any doubts about the soundness of any such instructions or the effectiveness of any treatment regimen prescribed, discuss it with your doctor before diverging from the instructions.

Do not use any alcohol, prescription drugs, or non-prescription drugs (including aspirin, Tylenol, illegal drugs or other controlled substances) without telling your doctor/neurologist.

Any information you omit here could result in negative consequences for you. Your physician needs to know all of this information in order to prescribe an appropriate and safe treatment regimen for you. In addition, some of the information you provide may help provide your physician with clues as to causes of and/or triggers for any condition you may have.