What do you look for in a neuro?

[WiltingRose]

Hi Pennstater, I Also live in Pa, about 45 minutes from State college. Can you recommend a good MS specialist? I am still in the limbo stage (3 years!). Thanks!

[pennstater]

Hi Pennstater, I Also live in Pa, about 45 minutes from State college. Can you recommend a good MS specialist? I am still in the limbo stage (3 years!). Thanks!

Hi WiltingRose,

State College, aka, Happy Valley is still one of my happy places. Not sure which direction you are from there.

My 1st neuro retired, 2nd sold his practice and moved to Florida. I haven't seen the new neuro yet.

For diagnosis, you may be better off at one of the big MS clinics. I had a 2nd opinion at the University Of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. I think there is one in Pittsburgh as well.

If you don't want to travel, you may want to find local neuros who are registered with Biogen as part of the Touch Protocol. This just means they can prescribe Tysabri. Usually this would indicate they see enough MS patients to go thru the training. Of course, doesn't mean a good MS neuro, but would be a starting point for research.

Flyefan recommended Dr. David Tabby (outside Philly). I have heard good things from a few others about him as well. He is my next stop if new neuro doesn't work out.

Good luck to you. I am sure frustrating in limbo.

[gargantua]

My first neuro, I used to take a tray of assorted choc covered pretzels in at Xmas/Hanukkah and Easter/Passover. The office got the tray, the neuro, his own bag! It worked. Hope your cookies do the trick.

Well the doctor did light up with a smile And those pretzels should've made you memorable!

I should also mention that these doctors need to stop limiting the time they can spend with us.

Yes, the anticipation of the appointment and the hope that all our concerns can be answered is kind of inversely proportional to the amount of time and ability to handle all of our concerns that almost any medical pro actually has, with MS. I just try to remember that my neuro, physically, has very little time and the time he gives me is precious to both of us. All the best to you and yours.

[Seasha]

I just try to remember that my neuro, physically, has very little time and the time he gives me is precious to both of us.

I would have liked after my dx, that my first initial visit with my neuro would have spent more than 10 min with me. (Maybe I should have brought treats ). I was in a bit of shock and didn't even know what questions to ask. He told me to check online with NMSS.

I think it's important for neuros to take more time - especially for those newly dx. Likewise, we patients need to formulate questions in a prioritized manner.

(BTW, I fired him and found someone who was there for me with time, compassion and information for my questions.)

[gargantua]

I would have liked after my dx, that my first initial visit with my neuro would have spent more than 10 min with me. (Maybe I should have brought treats ). I was in a bit of shock and didn't even know what questions to ask.

This is a great point. While it's completely understandable to not know what to ask, newly diagnosed patients should be given two appointments within a shorter span of time than 6 months, so that they can return with questions about new DMT choices and other therapies.

And at all times, questions are probably even more important than cookies in terms of holding the doctor's attention.

[mercadies25]

Takes time to listen/explain every test he does and results.
MS specialist
Awesome office staff

[SNOOPY]

I would have liked after my dx, that my first initial visit with my neuro would have spent more than 10 min with me. I was in a bit of shock and didn't even know what questions to ask. He told me to check online with NMSS.

My Neurologist went through testing that had recently been done (LP, Myelogram), explained the results and told me I had Multiple Sclerosis. I had no idea what that was. After asking him "how do we fix it" he told me there was no cure He gave me a prescription for oral prednisone and handed me a packet from the NMSS. My follow-up was in 2 weeks and he told me to write down any questions I had and we would discuss them.

Although I wasn't happy about a better explanation I came to understand he was giving me time to process and read about MS. He truly was an awesome Neurologist that was caring and compassionate. Man, I miss him since he retired.

Being diagnosed in the "dark ages" searching the internet was not an option.

[pennstater]

Likewise, great first neuro that I really miss. When he diagnosed me, spent one hour and lent me 2 of his books to make sure my education was from reliable sources! Also made me get a 2nd opinion so I couldn't live in denial. Visits were every other month for 4 months, then every 3 months for a year. Once he was comfortable with my adjustment and Rx adherence, every 4-6 months, my choice. Always returned calls same day, even if 9:00 at night.

[Golgotha]

Choosing a doctor is like dating: It's all about the chemistry and rapport.

Yes, the person has to be competent and have some empathy, but syncing in the chemistry area is critical for me if I'm going to put my trust in that person.

[Temagami]

My POV is that you can´t have it all.

My neuro:
calls back personally after hours
has listen to me sing to him
has been able to sit thru an appt. when I´ve cried
listens to the research that I´ve read
has gone along with desires for clinical trials
has supported LTD paperwork and SSDI paperwork

but... does not seem to keep up to date on research and I´m worried that he´ll retire before I´m done needing a neuro- then what?

[MyGirlsMom]

Likewise, great first neuro that I really miss. When he diagnosed me, spent one hour and lent me 2 of his books to make sure my education was from reliable sources! Also made me get a 2nd opinion so I couldn't live in denial. Visits were every other month for 4 months, then every 3 months for a year. Once he was comfortable with my adjustment and Rx adherence, every 4-6 months, my choice. Always returned calls same day, even if 9:00 at night.

Wow! That is impressive! I have not had a neuro experience even close to that...

[pennstater]

Wow! That is impressive! I have not had a neuro experience even close to that...

Miss him dearly. He retired 5 years ago, but still teaches neurology at a local medical school. When he retired, he was taking extended trip overseas with his wife. I bought him a nice journal for it as a retirement gift. He sent a beautiful thank you and about 2.5 years ago, he dropped a note saying he hoped I was doing well.

That was my experience with him. But I have heard others say they couldn't stand him. I actually took my Mom to him for neuropathy and carotid arteries. She respected him, but didn't like him - he was way too direct for her. But I like that in a doctor - he was empathetic, but very matter of fact. Funny, the group practice staff was the same way - some loved him and some dreaded any interaction with him.

[MyGirlsMom]

Pennstater, lovely story. Sometimes I can take the directness, but when my anxiety and depression are acting up (usually when I am in a flare) it is harder to handle that...I want more tenderness. I guess it is because when I am depressed I tend to blame my self for the flare and that I did something wrong to cause it....still working on that.

Thanks for sharing your story with your neuro...I hope he is enjoying retirement!!

[palmtree]

Someone who:

• loves their job. These are people that will be lifelong learners and appreciate their patients. I have worked for large medical groups and far too many doctors hated their jobs and were collecting a pay check. Then there were those whose eyes would light up when talking about new medications or research.
• considers the patient as part of the medical team
• encourages questions, listens, and fully answers questions. I typically prepare written status updates and questions. My current doctors will go down my list of questions and check them off when they respond to them. Love it!
• explains the treatment plan and sets realistic expectations
• does hand-on examinations
• reads MRIs instead of just depending on radiologist reports. My favorite neurologists will go over your MRI results with you explaining the findings and pointing out lesions, etc.
• has common sense
• is responsive
• available in an emergency
• professional office staff

This is something every neurologist should tape on their wall to remind themselves of what they are doing every day. I can’t think of anything more to add. There has been a lot of talk on this site about insisting everyone go to an MS specialist. None of my neurologists have been MS specialists and they have all been very terrific.

These are the qualities that make the difference. Most neurologists can do a neurological exam and decide when to order MRIs. A Doctor who always wants to learn more will look at the MRI films, although after a diagnosis has been made, the radiology reports have usually sufficed. I may be wrong, however.

To me, the most valuable quality is humility. A humble doctor always wants to be better. He always wants to help his patient more. He always wants to learn more. And he is not threatened if a patient as an incite that he overlooked.

Having a pleasant office staff is important, too. It they keep you on hold while they are filing their finger nails, are rude, try to go home early all the time...it makes the whole encounter unpleasant, even if you like your doctor. However, my first neurologist had a receptionist that was short and not friendly. But I realized she was overworked so I started doing and saying little things to make her job easier. She appreciated it and we developed an amiable relationship.

[Teddy1101]

I have been through a lot of neurologists

Since I was forced to get a new neurologist, it started me thinking about what I want in one. If you had to list the top 3 things you want in a neuro, what would it be?

Here's mine, in priority order:

1. MS knowledge is current
2. Good Listener/Responsive
3. Respects my decisions, assuming they are informed decisions

What do you look for?

I look for compassion, understanding and if they speak English it's a plus in my book.