Meeting with a brain surgeon can be intimidating for patients. This is understandable given the serious nature of brain surgery. The purpose of the appointment is usually to plan the procedure. However, it can also be a consultation to determine whether or not an operation is actually necessary. In either case, it is helpful for a patient to know what to expect and how to get ready for the appointment.
Preparation for the appointment largely involves gathering the proper documents to bring along:
Depending on what facilities are available in the hospital or primary care physician's office, copies of the imaging studies may be available on disc or on film. Either way, the brain surgeon should have the equipment necessary for evaluation.
Patients may have the ability to access registration forms right away when scheduling the appointment. If so, filling these out beforehand to bring along with the rest of the documentation is more convenient for everyone and helps the appointment start on schedule.
Part of the purpose of the appointment is for the individual to understand as much as possible about the condition requiring possible surgery. Therefore, it is to the patient's benefit to prepare questions beforehand regarding anything that is still unclear.
Needless to say, the patient will submit all documentation on or before the day of the appointment. There may be a brief pause in the waiting room until the brain surgeon is ready to see the person.
Both the patient's and the surgeon's time is valuable. The patient can help the surgeon keep to the timetable by arriving at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time.
The surgeon and assistants will always give the affected person an opportunity to ask questions. The patient should take advantage of this time to learn more about the condition and possible treatment options. An operation cannot legally take place before the surgeon obtains informed consent, but an individual who does not truly comprehend the condition and the procedure cannot give it.
The patient will usually meet and converse with the brain surgeon during the appointment. However, conversations may also take place with a physician assistant or a nurse. These professionals assist the surgeon by shouldering some of the responsibility for interviewing and examining patients.
To further evaluate the condition, determine the patient's suitability for surgery and start planning the procedure, the brain surgeon sometimes needs to perform additional testing. These assessments may include an angiogram to evaluate the blood vessels in the patient's brain or an electroencephalogram to monitor neurological activity. It may also be necessary to schedule additional evaluations for a later date.
Preparation, organization and promptness can help the appointment go smoothly for surgeon and patient alike. Understanding the condition and treatment options is important, so patients should always be prepared to ask questions.
Request an appointment here: https://www.brainandspineni.com or call Brain and Spine Neuroscience Institute at (813) 751-2029 for an appointment in our Palm Harbor office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Google Reviews.
Navigating neurological challenges requires professional treatment from a neurosurgeon, personal perseverance, and healthy coping strategies. If you have been diagnosed with a neurological issue or are caring for a loved one who has, there is help available. Here are some helpful insights about the intricacies of the human brain and the comprehensive care needed to…
A spine surgeon can help treat and manage a wide range of conditions affecting the spine. Thus, if you have been experiencing back pain or other symptoms that may indicate an issue with the spine, such as foot and leg tingling, it is a good idea to book a consultation. Learn when to consult a…
With professional care from a stroke treatment center, patients can achieve relief and independence to help boost their quality of life after a stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, strokes are the leading cause of disability in the United States. Few people are prepared to face the sudden event of…
Learning that you need to undergo neurosurgery to address conditions affecting the nervous system can understandably make you feel apprehensive. However, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Take a look at some common treatment options that our neurosurgeon may consider for your condition.Brain surgery is for those who…