Preparing for an appointment

If you have signs and symptoms of infection of the brain or spinal cord — high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or sudden muscle weakness — see your doctor right away or go to an urgent care center.

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

What you can do

Take with you a list of the following:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to why you're seeing a doctor
• Key personal information, including recent activities or travel to an area where West Nile virus is prevalent
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including the doses
• Questions to ask the doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For West Nile virus, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's likely causing my symptoms?
• What are other possible causes for my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
• What's the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there restrictions I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• 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 several questions, such as:

• 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?