Hello
What a connunudrum. Not only for the neuro, but for you too.
The problem is that when you first see a neurologist, you’re asked to detail what symptoms you have that ‘have brought you to them’. The time you have for an appointment is relatively limited, so it’s a case of not reeling off a list of 50 possibly connected symptoms because s/he just won’t be able to take them all in (and I’m sure you could detail many many possibly related symptoms). Nor can you just hand a neurologist a nicely typed out list of symptoms in order of body part or ranked in importance! They want to hear it from you. (Omg I wish I’d been able to write a list of symptoms, add to it as time passes and just give the list to each new doctor, they’ve been so many over the years!)
I think you need to think about each of the diagnoses you’ve been given over time and consider what symptoms have given rise to those diagnoses (if in fact you know). Assuming there’s been overlaps of symptoms, then they’re important to put on your list. Consider what could be attributed to your neurological system (again assuming you know) and add these to your list.
Think about what made your GP refer you to the neurologist this time (assuming you know again). Add these things to your list.
Lastly, have a think about what really bothers you, symptom wise. Add those to your list.
Then review your list, see if you can group symptoms together, consider what might be of primary importance. See if you can bring your list down to maybe 10 items. Perhaps in relation to body parts (eg, migraine and other brain related symptoms, Reynauds and other symptoms of numbness & tingling type sensations of your limbs, weakness, pain etc).
Perhaps you could think about how best to present yourself to the neurologist in order to demonstrate what you’ve been experiencing. Your main emphasis should be on making it simple for the neurologist to understand your collective symptoms, without reference to prior diagnoses.
The neurologist should then conduct a thorough physical examination to establish exactly what neurological signs you display that may lead him/her to make some preliminary judgement call on what may be affecting you. Subsequently, I’d expect you to be referred for tests (again with an assumption that s/he finds cause) to establish a neurological diagnosis if that is the result of the tests.
I hope I’ve made what I’m suggesting clear, what with the large number of assumptions (!). Hopefully too, you can come up with a good list of symptoms to bring to the neurologists attention. I think asking a trusted friend or family member to look over your list and help you to clarify problem areas would be a good plan.
Sue