Maximizing doctor visits

Latest articles on Maximizing doctor visits. Click on Read More for more information about each article. The article information includes questions and things to think about to make the most out of your interaction with your physician or medical provider. Maximizing doctor visits

Discussing Parkinson’s Disease

Description

People affected by Parkinson's Disease have uncontrolled tremors and movement disorders that become progressively worse. Normally, cells in a specific part of the brain produce a neurotransmitter called dopamine. In Parkinson's Disease, these cells degenerate and produce smaller and smaller quantities of dopamine. Initial signs and symptoms of Parkinson's Disease may be subtle as it involves fine "shaking" motor movements.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke

Description

Strokes occur when the blood supple to the brain is interrupted. This results in damage to the brain caused by either a blockage or a bleeding in the arteries supplying the brain. Brain tissue is dependent on a constant supply of blood. A stroke (CVA) occurs when a blockage or bleeding becomes permanent with irreversible brain tissue damage. Mini strokes (TIA) occur from a sudden but temporary loss of blood flow to the brain which is reversible. Some strokes can occur suddenly and without warning, other strokes are preceded by one or multiple mini strokes (TIA).

Discussing Dementia

Description

Dementia, by definition, is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain. There are many different types of dementia. The two most common types of dementia are Alzheimers Dementia and Vascular Dementia. Other less common types of Dementia include Dementia associated with Parkinson's Disease, Pick's Disease and Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease. Dementia is usually divided into Mild, Moderate, Severe and End Stages.

Observing and Reporting Pain

Description

Pain is a subjective sensation of discomfort that is best communicated by the person experiencing it, using descriptive words. As caregivers, we will be caring for some people who are able to talk to us. Others we care for will not be able to verbally tell us they are in pain or to describe the type of pain they have. When the people we are caring for are unable to communicate with words, our job as caregivers, is to pay attention to nonverbal signs as pain is the most under reported and under treated symptom. Nonverbal signs may be confusing to interpret. They may be indicative that something is wrong, but not necessarily be specific for pain.

Discussing Congestive Heart Failure

Description

Congestive Heart Failure is a syndrome consisting of the failure of the heart muscle to manage and efficiently pump blood out of the heart and lung system-- ultimately resulting in an accumulation of extra fluid in the extremities, abdominal cavity and in the lungs.

Discussing Chest Pain

Description

The major organs in the chest are the heart and the lungs, supported by the chest wall, sternum (breast bone), rib cage, and the spine. Any of these could be the source of your pain. However, not all chest pains are due to structures or organs in the chest. Other organs such as the gallbladder, stomach, or kidneys may be the source of your chest pains and are often termed "referred pain."

Therefore, it remains difficult to determine the cause of chest pain without an assessment by a physician or medical provider, and having appropriate testing performed. You will be better prepared to assist your physician in determining the source of the chest pain by carefully considering the answers to the following questions.

Discussing Shortness of Breath

Description
Shortness of breath is a subjective feeling of breathlessness. It is often described by sufferers as difficulty in taking in a deep breath, blowing it out, or catching one’s breath. There may be a sensation of tightness or heaviness of the chest that prevents adequate air exchange.

Your physician or medical provider will be better able to help you if you can clearly explain what you are experiencing. Answering the following questions prior to your medical visit will assist your physician or medical provider in making a diagnosis and plan of treatment.

Discussing Dizziness

Description

Dizziness means different things to different people. Your physician or medical provider will be better able to help you if you can clearly explain what you are experiencing. Answering the following questions prior to your medical visit will assist your physician or medical provider in making a diagnosis and plan of treatment.

Questions