Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general doctor. In some cases when you call for an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a brain specialist (neurologist).

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

• List your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
• Write down key personal information, including recent life changes.
• List medications, vitamins and supplements you take.
• Bring a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who accompanies you might help you remember something you missed or forgot.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

For Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What is likely causing my symptoms?
• Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• What is the best course of action?
• Are there restrictions I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• I have other medical conditions. How do I manage them together?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

• When did your symptoms begin?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• Has anyone in your family had Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?
• Have you lived or traveled extensively outside the United States?