Hi, I`ve seen 16 and am still waiting to see any neuro who does what he/she promises or gives me confidence, that they know what they are doing…correction, I think I saw one once, but havent seen him since! I think my local hospital is one where young neuros train and then move on…a well, hey-ho eh?
I am very pleased to hear it, when anyone gets a good neuro, MS specialist or whatever.
luv Pollx
Hey Pollx, 16… and all, why do neurologists vary so much, makes you wonder if they understand the wider picture. All I want is someone that will take me seriously. My mum was a nurse and it was a vocation to her, she just loved to help, so compassionate, wish that was true of all neurologists. It is however, great to hear of the positive experiences, it gives me heart. Lou x
Hey Pollx, 16… and all, why do neurologists vary so much, makes you wonder if they understand the wider picture. All I want is someone that will take me seriously. My mum was a nurse and it was a vocation to her, she just loved to help, so compassionate, wish that was true of all neurologists. It is however, great to hear of the positive experiences, it gives me heart. Lou x
Isn’t it just like every profession? There are people who are bright, conscientious and caring and then there are people who are missing one, two or all three of these characteristics. Missing these characteristics is not brilliant if you’re a teacher, probably worse if you’re a GP and a disaster if you’re a neurologist. The great thing about this forum is that, with a bit of luck, you can find someone who has already ‘road tested’ a neuro you’re thinking of seeing.
Hello,
Professor Gavin Giovannoni is my consultant, based at Royal London hospital in Whitechapel, London. Man is a genius. Please do read his blog http://multiple-sclerosis-research.blogspot.co.uk/
If you feel your consultant neurologist is not giving you the service you would like then ask him if he specialises in MS. If he says ‘no’ then change to one who does. The world of MS is changing very very fast. They are now saying the RRMS can be contained and should not advance into SPMS. They are now finding possible treatments for PPMS and SPMS so that it can be contained and stop progression. Your consultant needs to know about MS, it is your duty to be with one who does know.
Patrick
Can anyone recommend a neuroligist in the SW of England??
St Peter’s Hospital is located between Woking and Chertsey close to junction 11 of the M25.
SPH Clinics:
Mon and Wed weekly
Monthly specialist MS clinic with biweekly MS DMT clinic
Dr David BARNES
GMC: 2644992
Consultant Neurologist
Honorary Senior Lecturer at St George’s
Multiple Sclerosis, migraine
Neuro-ophthalmology
Mine is Roswell Martin (Gloucester & Cheltenham hospitals)
No complaints so far!
A friend of mine also gave me the name of her neuro in Bristol as highly recommended, but have since forgotten it 
Having had several neurologists who were (for me) a waste of time & space I was super lucky when a friend with MS mentioned one of the neurologists on the list above.I saw him privately and despite the cost it was a revelation to speak with someone who actually listened and who gave me clear and straightforward advice. For the first time I had confidence that if he said there was no point in pursuing a particular therapy I actually believe in his judgement and opinion (there are only a few facts or hard and fast rules)
He was able to refer me to his NHS clinic.
So what I am saying is do not be afraid to seek the right help for you.
Once again I realise that I have been lucky to find a good one amongst quite a few not so good ones.
This is a good place to share the info.
Mick
good reply Mick.
pollsx
if there’s a list of ‘top neurologists’ by default there must be a list of ‘not-so-good neurologists!’
I would be cautious about naming the good / not so good. This is because the professionals that I describe as good / not so good are based solely on my own experience. This limited experience whilst valid for me might be 180 degrees out with other peoples experiences.
Mick
From the comments here - people don’t understand the different roles of doctors:
The Doctor’s Role Time Hand-holding & Supportive
MS Neurologist 20 mins No
MS Nurse 30 mins Yes
GP 10-20 mins Yes
What are the responsibilities of a neurologist and GP?
Neurologists are physicians trained in the treatment and diagnosis of brain and central nervous system disorders and diseases. Doctors trained in neurology complete medical school, a one-year internship in internal medicine and a three-year residency in neurology.
General practitioners (GPs) treat all common medical conditions and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment. They focus on the health of the whole person combining physical, psychological and social aspects of care.
Thank you Angela - you’re the only one to give me a SW neurologist name!
So is ‘mine’ Angela. Although I hardly see him, I have no complaints either. I will never forget that when I was diagnosed (2003/2004) with RRMS, now SPMS (PPMS?), I was told that I would still be ‘able’ to catch all other diseases too… Good for him, as I did not want to make too much of a drama , although I was not too bad physically at that point…
It has been on the news this week that ‘statins’ used for cholesterol, have been proven to put SPMS on hold too… Mr Martin suggested these to me a while ago, which I ‘rejected’ at that point as I/we also have to deal with a daughter-with-severe-learning-difficulties at home…
As my daughter has now moved out, I am going to ‘reconsider’ one and another, and possibly (re)pay more visits to the Gloucester and/or Cheltenham branch too.
Right now the MS is slowly progressive, although I can still drive my own car (which for me is the difference between dependent and independent…).
I am now going to prepare mentally for the Eurovision Song Contest, not for the quality! but more for the ‘extravagance’ and amusement value…
All the best, Jos
I am moving to the Kent coast so my hubby will come under Kent and Medway healthcare… anyone have experience or knowledge of neuro services and consultants in that area.
I was living in Redditch when I was diagnosed. I was referred to the local neurologist but he isn’t authorised to prescribe DMT. I was sent to a neurologist at the QE in Birmingham. There was no suggestion of me going to Coventry. Perhaps having a Warwickshire GP made a difference to the referral.
I’ve had a good number of Neurologists over the years, from the first (can’t remember his name but he was terrible), to someone who was wonderful but immediately retired. Then Prof Giovannoni, who is lovely and a renowned expert. Then someone on the South Coast who was a bit rubbish. Then I was referred on to an MS specialist who is very good and in addition, has no problem in referring patients to other specialists who have different specialisms or can offer DMDs which he couldn’t. He also referred me to a local rehab specialist who is utterly brilliant.
Just recently I’ve decided to stop seeing the MS specialist and just see the rehab doctor. In part because I have run out of DMD options, and even if drugs become available for SPMS, I’d be unlikely to take them because of my checkered past with regard to drugs and side affects.
So, the original poster was looking for a good neurologist in a specific area. And others have asked for recommendations in other areas. I don’t think there is such a thing as a neurologist who is good for all people with MS. It’s just the same as with everything related to MS. We are all different, so our needs with regard to a neuro are also different.
I should think for the newly diagnosed, an MS specialist is essential. Preferably one who has treatment centres set up for all the various DMDs. For the long timer, it maybe that someone local is the top preference if travelling is more of an issue. For some people, drug therapies are top priority, for others it’s rehab.
So it’s one of those typical MS things, it depends on your symptoms, your history, your current drug / therapy needs and how you get on with an individual doctor.
Sue
Sue makes an excellent point:
I stopped DMDs 8 years ago now - and only see my GP for MS related symptoms - like bladder infections - and when I need help from the Community Rehab Team. I actually prefer this. I see local people who know me.
An informative report for Advanced MSers on this topic:
Fay
Dr TP Harrower he is based at Exeter and north Devon leaves no stone unturned to find out what is going on. Very easy to talk to as well.