How to prepare for an appointment with a Parkinson’s specialist?

Gulnara Akhmadeeva, neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s disease at the V.S. Buzaev International Medical Centre.

1. Collecting information about the condition

• Medical History : Prepare a brief description of your medical history, including symptoms, their onset, and progression. Consider and describe specific issues and symptoms you want to discuss with the doctor:
  • nature of motor symptoms: tremor, slowness, stiffness,  balance disorder/falls
  • nature of non-motor symptoms: changes in emotional sphere, thinking, dizziness, low blood pressure, drowsiness, constipation, or pain
  • determine the dynamics of changes since the last appointment
  • have there been any cases of hospitalization or visits to the emergency department?
• Medications : Make a list of all the medications you are currently taking, including dosages and frequency. Bring the list where you recorded the medications you are taking. Tips for organizing the intake of antiparkinsonian drugs are described in this article
• Surgery: Have any surgeries been performed since the last appointment? If a deep brain stimulation surgery was conducted DBS) regarding Parkinson’s Disease — is clarification required for individual symptoms? The doctor may recommend electrode replacement based on indications
• Rehabilitation: Have you noticed changes in gait, exercise tolerance, voice volume, or swallowing difficulties? Consult regarding the need for a rehabilitation specialist (physiotherapist or speech therapist).
• Discuss the optimal regimen of physical activity throughout the day. Our team has created an entire Community for patients with Parkinson’s disease, where specialists from the therapeutic exercise center help patients improve and consolidate motor skills (link).

2. Preparing questions

• Write down the questions you want to ask the doctor. For example:
  • What symptoms may indicate disease progression?
  • What tests or examinations will be necessary?
  • What are the possible treatment options?

3. Symptom recording

• Keep a symptom journal to track their changes and impact on daily life.

4. Support

• Consider bringing a loved one for moral support and help in remembering information.

5. Documents

• Make sure you have all the necessary medical documents, including the results of previous examinations.

6. Time and Place

• Make an appointment at a convenient time for you and your close relative.
• Make sure you know the time and place of the appointment, as well as how to get to the clinic.

By following these simple steps, you will prepare for your appointment with the Parkinson’s specialist in a way that benefits both you and your treating physician!