Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by first seeing your family doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in nervous system disorders (neurologist) or to an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist).

What you can do

Before your appointment, you may want to write a list of answers to the following questions:

• What are your symptoms? When did they start?
• Have you had the sensation that the room is spinning (vertigo)?
• Has your hearing been affected?
• Have you noticed a change in your sense of taste?
• Have you had the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine? When?
• Have you ever had chickenpox? When?
• Are you being treated for any chronic health conditions? If so, what treatments are you receiving?
• Are you pregnant?

What to expect from your doctor

During the physical exam, your doctor will closely examine your face to check for evidence of one-sided paralysis or a shingles rash on, in or around your ear.