Good luck on this. Obviously, what to expect has alot to do with the *human* who calls themselves a doc. Also, has to do with the human who calls themselves a patient.

A major learning from the Miami Dystonia Conference this past week-end comes from Dr. Mark Stacy from the Mohammad Ali Parkinsons's Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. Two words: partnership and communication. Dr. Stacy termed himself, and all doctors, a "vendor of services." He encourages all patients to connect with their doctors and work on their case together as a team. Excellent concept.

Re advice, -fn-, you've been on this BB a long time. You are educated and smart. If I were you, I'd write out a list of questions ahead of time (pertinent to your case), and work them through with your new doc. Keeping in mind that most of us patients know more about SD and specific neurological issues than our doctors do. We usually educate our docs. Neurology tends to be a general science, unless a patient asks specific questions. This type of stuff takes a long time to work through, regarding a specific neurological case.

Best of luck and please keep us posted.

Gee, I hope I get a human for a neurologist LOL! As he is recommended by my ENT I would think that at least they have a repoire with each other.

As you figured, I do intend to have a list of questions. But, is that all the neurologist does, ask questions? Do they run certain tests, based on those questions? Do they run an MRI, do blood tests or what? I'm not that smart lol...Since I've never been to a neurologist I really don't know what they do when you visit.

Hi. I'm no expert either so I hope you can educate us after your appointment. I'm still trying to get a referral for a neurologist too, with all the breathing junk I'm dealing with. That *danged insurance stuff* seems to stand in the way.

All I know about neurologists is (the following): 1) The ones I've talked to don't handle voice patients so they expressed concern but said they couldn't treat me (insurance was an issue on that one also). I'm still looking for a neurologist who handles voice patients.

2) At a couple of symposiums, I've gotten the impression that neurologists specialize in eliminating things. In other words, they can *test-out* some conditions. Like "you don't have this and you don't have that" based on various tests. Which is why a *team* (otolaryngologist, SLP, neurologist) is recommended to deal with our unique disorders. We must be very special as it seems to take 3 experts to determine what we have.

You're way ahead of me so I'll be on the edge of my computer chair, waiting to find out the results of your appointment. Good luck.

--Lynne

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I was wondering if anyone has jerky movements of the head or mouth? Sometimes my head jerks or my mouth does, usually only when I'm talking. I don't have the hand/finger jerks. I do sometimes have tremors/twitches on my face or chin - but I think I'm just nervous & self-conscious.

I think that I was a bit disappointed with the checkup as there wasn't much to it. The neurologist (who treats SD patients regularly) asked a few questions and checked my reflexes and coordination. He didn't find any other disorders and didn't order any tests. I should probably be grateful that he didn't find anything else, but I'm not sure if this was a typical (and thorough) neurological exam.

If this was a typical checkup then your visit is nothing to worry about. Good luck!

Good luck, fn and let us know your outcome.