What Happens at a Private Neurology Appointment? A Step-by-Step Guide

Published On - 10th November 2022

Dementech Neurology

Neurologists are specialist clinicians who focus on diseases and conditions that affect the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. There are more than 600 neurological disorders, each one ranging in severity, but all require the specialist intervention of a neurologist to effectively treat and manage. 

In the UK, you have the option of seeing a neurologist on the NHS, or seeing a private neurologist. Both provide the same level of outstanding care and undergo the same training, but there are some differences that may affect which route you opt for. For most people, NHS waiting times are a big deciding factor in making the choice to see a private neurologist, although some go down this path because private neurology clinics often have access to newer treatments that aren’t available on the NHS just yet. Others choose to see a private neurologist for a second opinion, and some simply prefer the idea of choosing their clinical team. 

Whatever your reasoning for choosing to see a private neurologist, you must first attend a consultation. The way a private neurologist consultation is carried out can differ from the NHS, namely in its efficiency and scope, but this isn’t all. 

Attending a neurology consultation can be daunting at the best of times, due to the fact your health is often in question. With this in mind, we’ve put together this detailed article explaining what you can expect when you see a private neurologist, specifically at Dementech Neurosciences.

What is a neurology appointment?

A neurology appointment is an assessment with a neurologist, a doctor who specialises in conditions affecting the nervous system.

The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord and nerves throughout the body. Neurologists assess a wide range of symptoms, including problems with movement, balance, sensation, memory, headaches, seizures, weakness and coordination.

During an appointment, your neurologist will work to understand your symptoms and their possible causes. This may involve reviewing your medical history, carrying out a neurological examination and deciding whether further investigations are appropriate.

A neurology appointment does not necessarily mean that you will receive a diagnosis immediately. Depending on your symptoms and the findings from your assessment, your neurologist may recommend further tests or arrange a follow-up appointment.

Preparing for a neurological appointment 

Before you attend your neurologist appointment, it’s a good idea to come prepared. You don’t have to do anything specifically unless your neurologist asks you to, but the more information you come equipped with, the more you can get out of your appointment.

Before your appointment, consider making a note of:

  • When your symptoms first started
  • How frequently your symptoms occur
  • How long symptoms or individual episodes last
  • Whether your symptoms have changed over time
  • Anything that appears to trigger or worsen your symptoms
  • Anything that makes your symptoms better
  • Any medication or supplements you currently take
  • Previous diagnoses or medical conditions
  • Any relevant family medical history
  • Previous blood tests, scans or other investigations
  • Any questions you would like to ask your neurologist

If your symptoms are difficult to describe or happen intermittently, a symptom diary can also be useful. If another person has witnessed an episode or noticed changes in your symptoms, their observations may also be helpful.

It can be easy to forget questions during an appointment, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Writing them down beforehand means you can refer back to them during the consultation.

What happens at a first neurology appointment?

While every consultation is different, a first neurology appointment will generally involve several stages.

1. Your neurologist will discuss your symptoms

The appointment will usually begin with a conversation about why you have come to see a neurologist.

Your neurologist may ask when your symptoms started, how they have changed and how they affect your everyday life. You may also be asked about the pattern of your symptoms, including how often they occur and whether anything makes them better or worse.

Try to describe your symptoms as accurately as possible. If you are unsure about a particular detail, it is fine to say so.

2. You will discuss your medical history

Your neurologist will want to understand your wider health as well as the specific symptoms that led to your appointment.

This may include discussing:

  • Previous illnesses and medical conditions
  • Current and previous medications
  • Allergies
  • Previous operations or procedures
  • Family history
  • Lifestyle factors where relevant
  • Previous neurological investigations
  • Results from blood tests, scans or other assessments

If you have already seen another doctor about your symptoms, bring any relevant letters, test results or reports that you have available.

3. Your neurologist may carry out a neurological examination

A neurological examination allows the neurologist to assess different aspects of how your nervous system is functioning.

Depending on your symptoms, the examination may include checking:

  • Muscle strength
  • Reflexes
  • Balance
  • Coordination
  • Sensation
  • Eye movements
  • Walking and movement
  • Speech and language
  • Memory, concentration or other cognitive functions

You will not necessarily have every part of a neurological examination. The assessment will be tailored to your symptoms and the areas your neurologist needs to investigate.

Some parts of the examination may be very simple. For example, your neurologist may ask you to walk across the room, move your arms or legs, follow an object with your eyes or perform a coordination task.

The purpose is not to put you through a series of tests without explanation. The examination helps your neurologist assess how different parts of your nervous system are working and identify findings that may help with diagnosis.

4. Your neurologist will discuss their initial findings

After discussing your symptoms and completing any appropriate examination, your neurologist will explain what they have found.

In some cases, the information available may be enough for the neurologist to make an initial diagnosis or discuss the most likely explanation for your symptoms.

In other cases, more information may be needed before a diagnosis can be confirmed.

Your neurologist may therefore recommend further investigations, arrange a follow-up appointment or discuss treatment options based on your individual circumstances.

What questions will a neurologist ask?

The questions you are asked will depend on your symptoms and the reason for your appointment.

Some common questions may include:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • Did they start suddenly or gradually?
  • How often do your symptoms occur?
  • How long do they usually last?
  • Have your symptoms become more or less frequent over time?
  • Are there any triggers?
  • What makes your symptoms better or worse?
  • Have you experienced similar symptoms previously?
  • Are your symptoms affecting work, sleep, exercise or everyday activities?
  • What medications are you currently taking?
  • Have you had any previous investigations?
  • Is there a history of neurological conditions in your family?

If you have experienced an episode such as a seizure, loss of consciousness, unusual movement or another event that someone else witnessed, your neurologist may also want to hear what the other person observed.

Being as specific as possible can help. For example, instead of saying that you have been experiencing headaches “for a while”, it may be more useful to explain when they started, how often they happen, how long they last and what the symptoms feel like.

Testing and scans for neurological disorders

Neurological conditions can sometimes be complex and many of them share similar symptoms, so it’s important that a wide range of tests are carried out to provide the most accurate diagnosis first time round. At Dementech Neurosciences, we have access to the very best testing and diagnostic technologies available, and we are able to arrange for a variety of relevant tests to be carried out in line with your consultation. Results are generally available within 48 hours. 

This is different to the NHS where, oftentimes, you may need to wait a few weeks for tests to be arranged and carried out, and up to two or three weeks for results to become available. 

With this in mind, some of the tests you may need to undergo at your private neurology appointment include: 

  • MRI or CT scan of your brain or spine – these scans can identify things like tumours, potential brain damage, and any problems caused by your nerves or blood vessels. 
  • Spinal tap or lumbar puncture – this involves extracting fluid from your spine to identify any potential infections or blood where it shouldn’t be.
  • EMG (electromyogram) – electrodes are placed on your skin, or a needle is put into a muscle, to test the communication between a specific nerve and its relevant muscle. 
  • EEG (electroencephalograph) – if your symptoms include seizures, you may undergo an EEG which involves placing electrodes on your head to monitor your brain’s electrical activity.
  • Blood tests and/or urine tests – these tests will identify things like infections or protein disorders. 
  • Evoked potentials – these tests work in a similar way to an EEG, except your neurologist will stimulate your hearing and vision, and potentially some other nerves, and see how your brain reacts. 
  • A biopsy of your muscles or nerves – tissue is extracted from certain nerves or muscles and tested to see if there could be a neuromuscular disorder. 

During your appointment, your neurologist will also carry out a basic assessment where they may ask you some quick fire questions to test your cognitive abilities, get you to walk and move, test your reflexes, and look at your vision. 

The types of tests you undergo will depend on your symptoms and what your neurologist is concerned about. There is no single test to identify the vast majority of neurological disorders; instead, a range of tests are done which rule out certain conditions or issues, such as infections or tumours. From this, your neurologist can make an informed diagnosis. 

How long does a neurology appointment take?

The length of a neurology appointment can vary depending on the type of consultation, your symptoms and the level of assessment required.

At Dementech Neurosciences, one-hour consultations are available with neurology specialists. Dementech also states that consultations start at £485. The exact appointment length and cost should be confirmed when booking your consultation, as requirements can vary between patients.

A first appointment may involve a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history as well as a neurological examination, so it is worth allowing enough time rather than expecting a brief consultation.

If you have been given an appointment time, check the details provided by the clinic beforehand and allow additional time for arriving at the clinic and completing any necessary administration.

What happens after a neurology appointment?

There are several possible next steps following a neurology consultation.

You may receive an initial diagnosis

If your symptoms, medical history and examination provide enough information, your neurologist may be able to discuss a diagnosis during your appointment.

They can then explain what the diagnosis means and discuss appropriate treatment or management options.

You may need further investigations

If more information is needed, your neurologist may recommend further tests or scans.

The reason for the investigation should be explained to you, including what it is intended to assess and what the next steps will be once the results are available.

You may need a follow-up appointment

A follow-up consultation may be recommended to review test results, monitor your symptoms or assess how you are responding to treatment.

A follow-up appointment can also provide an opportunity to discuss any questions that arise after your initial consultation.

How much does a private neurology appointment cost?

The cost of a private neurology appointment varies between clinics and can also depend on whether you require further investigations or treatment.

At Dementech Neurosciences, the current consultation fees are:

  • Initial consultation: £485
  • Follow-up consultation: £285

Additional diagnostic tests, scans or treatment may incur separate costs depending on what is recommended.

Dementech also offers specific diagnostic and treatment pathways, with pricing depending on the services included. For example, its Memory Pathway currently includes a Dementech Memory Blood Test, cognitive assessment, MRI scan and consultation with a memory specialist neurologist.

You can check out the Dementech fees and pathways page for the latest information before booking.

What should I bring to a neurology appointment?

Taking a few things with you can make it easier to discuss your symptoms and medical history.

Consider bringing:

  • A list of your current medications and doses
  • Details of any allergies
  • A record of your symptoms
  • Previous test or scan results
  • Relevant medical letters or reports
  • Details of previous diagnoses
  • A list of questions you want to ask
  • Information about relevant family medical history

If someone has witnessed your symptoms, particularly an unusual episode or change in behaviour or movement, you may also find it helpful for them to attend or provide information about what they observed.

You can also take notes during the consultation if you find this useful. A neurology appointment can involve a lot of information, and writing down the key points can help you remember what was discussed afterwards.

Neurology Diagnoses

As mentioned, there is no specific test to confirm whether a disorder is present. With there being hundreds of neurological disorders, many of which share similar symptoms, lots of diagnostic tests are carried out to make sure the right diagnosis is made. At Dementech Neurosciences, our approach is to always try and mitigate the symptoms of a neurological disorder in the absence of being able to cure one. This means working to get you a fast diagnosis and setting about creating a treatment plan.

We know that receiving a diagnosis of a neurological condition can be hard. You may feel lots of different emotions, including anxiety, uncertainty, and fear. We have dedicated patient advisors on-hand to help you and your loved ones begin the process of accepting a diagnosis. They will talk you through your diagnosis and supportive care options, as well as answer any questions you may have regarding the next steps. They can also provide further information on anything you might need help with about future appointments.

Some of the more common neurological diagnoses include:

You will be under the care of a consultant neurologist who has years of experience with patients with your disorder, giving you the best care possible.

Treatment plan

Neurological conditions are often best treated with a mixture of different approaches. Your neurologist will work with other members of your clinical care team to determine the best treatment plan for you. This could include medications, occupational therapy, neurosurgery, or physiotherapy depending on your condition and your symptoms. By preparing for your initial consultation and bringing an extensive list of medications you’re currently on, that you’re allergic to, and your general medical history, your neurologist will be able to narrow down your treatment options early and decide if further treatment will be necessary. 

Book a private neurology appointment with Dementech Neurosciences

If you are experiencing neurological symptoms or have been advised to see a neurologist, a private consultation can give you the opportunity to discuss your concerns with a specialist.

Dementech Neurosciences provides private neurology consultations in London, with video consultations also available where appropriate. The clinic’s neurology specialists assess patients with a range of neurological symptoms and conditions and can recommend further investigations or treatment where needed.

To find out whether a private neurology consultation is right for you, contact Dementech Neurosciences to discuss your appointment options.