Neurological exam

Hey everyone 👋 I’m new here and I’m honestly freaking out! A few days ago, I got hit with such intense dizziness that I ended up in the ER... they basically told me they couldn't figure out what was wrong and that I should follow up with my primary care doctor. So, I did, and he referred me to a neurologist... but the specialist can't see me for another month 😲
The thing is, I’m almost never sick—I have no idea where to turn to get this checked out sooner! Does anyone have any good advice? Maybe a recommendation for a private clinic or something similar? Help me out

Anonymous said:Hey everyone 👋 I’m new here and I’m honestly freaking out! A few days ago, I got hit with such intense dizziness that I ended up in the ER... they basically told me they couldn't figure out what was wrong and that I should follow up with my primary care doctor. So, I did, and he referred me to a neurologist... but the specialist can't see me for another month 😲
The thing is, I’m almost never sick—I have no idea where to turn to get this checked out sooner! Does anyone have any good advice? Maybe a recommendation for a private clinic or something similar? Help me out

So, what actually did them at the ER? Did they run a CT scan or something similar?

I know you can typically use supplemental insurance to snag one specialist visit a year. If I recall correctly, the monthly "subscription" cost sits right around $50 (for those budget-friendly plans), depending on which provider you use. Based on some personal and family experiences, I've come to realize that having that extra coverage isn't a bad move at all; we literally had every single test completed within a week, whereas waiting through public healthcare would have left us sitting around for over a month.

I went to the ER and they told me my blood pressure was totally fine. They just gave me two shots in the butt and told me to take it easy for a few days... then they sent me straight home! I felt dizzy all day long and even a little bit the next morning. I'm feeling okay now, but honestly, I'm pretty worried about it!

Honestly, I’m not even surprised by the way you were treated at the ER. It’s classic. When my mom was dragging me along because I was dealing with dizzy spells and losing my vision, the doctors at the local university hospital basically told us I needed a neurology consult, but since I could still walk, they weren't going to admit me to the ER. (And yeah, we were talking about the neuro ER specifically, just so there’s no confusion). The head of ophthalmology was adamant that they had to take me in because it looked serious, but the staff downstairs kept insisting everything was fine. My mom finally lost her cool and we just bailed and drove straight to Savannah. They admitted me to neurology immediately and the whole diagnostic machine started moving. That’s how I ended up getting diagnosed with MS. I’m not telling you this to freak you out or to suggest that's what you have—not at all. I'm just saying: save yourself the headache, go to a private clinic, and pay for the tests you actually need.
Unfortunately, it usually turns out that we have to figure out where to go, when to go, and who to talk to all on our own, even when we're desperate for help.

Anonymous said:I went to the ER and they told me my blood pressure was totally fine. They just gave me two shots in the butt and told me to take it easy for a few days... then they sent me straight home! I felt dizzy all day long and even a little bit the next morning. I'm feeling okay now, but honestly, I'm pretty worried about it!

😲 That is absolutely terrible. I learned a little trick along the way: if you're dealing with this over a weekend, head straight to a neurological emergency ward. You tell them you're feeling miserable—mention the dizziness, the nausea, the vomiting—and they’ll fast-track you to the neurologist on call and get you straight into a CT scan. It might feel a bit manipulative, but it's nothing compared to how they just brushed you off earlier.😳

Angela Wright said:😲 That is absolutely terrible. I learned a little trick along the way: if you're dealing with this over a weekend, head straight to a neurological emergency ward. You tell them you're feeling miserable—mention the dizziness, the nausea, the vomiting—and they’ll fast-track you to the neurologist on call and get you straight into a CT scan. It might feel a bit manipulative, but it's nothing compared to how they just brushed you off earlier.😳

I wasn't expecting much from the ER to begin with, unfortunately... plus, I'm a terrible actress, so I doubt your suggestion would work on me😁 but thanks anyway! I was mostly wondering if anyone knew a good private clinic with a solid neurologist... I don't have a ton of cash to throw around, but I'd pay for a consultation and any extra tests if it meant getting answers. It's my health on the line, after all... there is absolutely no way I'm waiting a month just to see a specialist!

I totally get where you're coming from... honestly, it’s just depressing what people have to deal with just to get a basic checkup. Though, I gotta say, I kind of see both sides—the healthcare system and the doctors who are hesitant to take on new hires because the federal budget is such a mess. Not to mention how much of a nightmare it is to actually land a residency or a grant these days... that part is just tragic.
Maybe try checking in directly with some private clinics to get an idea of the costs? Because let’s be real, I don't know who actually has a massive pile of cash sitting around today where a standard doctor's visit wouldn't break the bank....

I ended up needing an emergency checkup too, but I couldn't get an appointment anywhere for at least six months. I finally just went to a Mayo Clinic urgent care instead. Yeah, it cost me a fortune, but they got everything done in a single day. If you’re looking for a solid neurologist, I can give you my doctor's info. He isn't based in Washington, D.C., but he's close enough. Shoot me a DM if you want his details.

So, I finally called the Mayo Clinic and booked an appointment for Monday. I’m scheduled for a neurological exam $83, and then we'll see what else they need to do and what the damage to my wallet will be since I don't have coverage through them... the receptionists there are actually really sweet 😁

Anonymous said:So, I finally called the Mayo Clinic and booked an appointment for Monday. I’m scheduled for a neurological exam $83, and then we'll see what else they need to do and what the damage to my wallet will be since I don't have coverage through them... the receptionists there are actually really sweet 😁

Yeah, but you should ask if they charge extra for the consultation too, maybe like $133 somewhere around there... just so you know how much the whole thing is actually gonna cost me $233 ..

Anonymous said:So, I finally called the Mayo Clinic and booked an appointment for Monday. I’m scheduled for a neurological exam $83, and then we'll see what else they need to do and what the damage to my wallet will be since I don't have coverage through them... the receptionists there are actually really sweet 😁

Finally, thank God something is actually happening. Just a heads up—if they end up sending you for a CT or an MRI, get ready to shell out an extra $1,000-$667. But hey, just take it one step at a time.😳

It’s crazy how casually everyone talks about money... I mean, we aren't talking about billions here, but when you consider that all of this can be covered by your insurance at the hospital for free... God help us 😁
As for the ER (assuming we're talking about an urgent care clinic): there isn't much more they could actually do for you. Personally, when I'm on call in the ER, I perform a clinical neurological exam to try and diagnose whatever I can through physical assessment—things like vertigo that don't necessarily require a specialist. But honestly, from what I know, these clinics just don't have the diagnostic tools they need, so you can't really expect much more from them. That's just the way the American healthcare system works. Though, I'll admit, you find all sorts of doctors in the ER because medical school doesn't teach us anything about emergency medicine. You either educate yourself if you're interested in ER work, or you get thrown into the deep end without warning 😁

Look, I’d much rather spend my money on staying healthy $167 than on some new pair of shoes..

Honestly, you really need to get some extra private health insurance. Wandering around those hospital corridors just makes you feel sick... even though a huge chunk of my paycheck already goes toward healthcare, I've realized it doesn't actually get me anywhere. I'd much rather just pay a provider directly and get treated right away... like a real person...

Sam Hall15 said:It’s crazy how casually everyone talks about money... I mean, we aren't talking about billions here, but when you consider that all of this can be covered by your insurance at the hospital for free... God help us 😁
As for the ER (assuming we're talking about an urgent care clinic): there isn't much more they could actually do for you. Personally, when I'm on call in the ER, I perform a clinical neurological exam to try and diagnose whatever I can through physical assessment—things like vertigo that don't necessarily require a specialist. But honestly, from what I know, these clinics just don't have the diagnostic tools they need, so you can't really expect much more from them. That's just the way the American healthcare system works. Though, I'll admit, you find all sorts of doctors in the ER because medical school doesn't teach us anything about emergency medicine. You either educate yourself if you're interested in ER work, or you get thrown into the deep end without warning 😁

It’s true, though our waiting lists can be a real nightmare😬
plus, they love to give you the runaround about which hospital you should go to.
If you have the cash, it definitely makes things easier to just handle everything yourself.
Honestly, Thomas Thomas82, I don't know why you always try to simplify neurological exams down to just a quick chat and $167, it ends up costing more than five years worth of sneakers!😁

The quickest way to get into neurology is actually pretty simple: just book an appointment with one of the doctors who runs a private practice out of the hospital itself.
You pay them a consultation fee—maybe $300-$$167—and then they take care of organizing all your CT scans, MRIs, and other little things through insurance if they're necessary.😬

Traffic in Washington, D.C. is basically a nightmare—just endless waiting lists for everything. But honestly, if you're out in other parts of the country, things are actually fine, and you're dealing with decent, educated professionals. My cousin had been dealing with some dizzy spells for a few days straight, too. They wrapped up her whole workup in maybe two or three weeks—bloodwork, EEG, TCD, and a CT scan—and everything came back clear, except for some poor circulation, which was apparently the culprit.

Anonymous said:Hey everyone 👋 I’m new here and I’m honestly freaking out! A few days ago, I got hit with such intense dizziness that I ended up in the ER... they basically told me they couldn't figure out what was wrong and that I should follow up with my primary care doctor. So, I did, and he referred me to a neurologist... but the specialist can't see me for another month 😲
The thing is, I’m almost never sick—I have no idea where to turn to get this checked out sooner! Does anyone have any good advice? Maybe a recommendation for a private clinic or something similar? Help me out

Honestly, vertigo usually doesn't have anything to do with neurology. Most of the time, when symptoms hit you that suddenly, it's just a viral thing or some issue with your inner ear balance, or even neck problems. There are pretty straightforward tests to figure out if it's peripheral (meaning an ear issue) or central (an issue with brain centers). My advice? See an ENT specialist first, then based on what they find, head to the neurologist. And don't listen to anyone pushing unnecessary scans like a CIA-level CT scan; there are much simpler, safer, and cheaper tests available if they're actually needed.

Sam Hall15 said:It’s crazy how casually everyone talks about money... I mean, we aren't talking about billions here, but when you consider that all of this can be covered by your insurance at the hospital for free... God help us 😁
As for the ER (assuming we're talking about an urgent care clinic): there isn't much more they could actually do for you. Personally, when I'm on call in the ER, I perform a clinical neurological exam to try and diagnose whatever I can through physical assessment—things like vertigo that don't necessarily require a specialist. But honestly, from what I know, these clinics just don't have the diagnostic tools they need, so you can't really expect much more from them. That's just the way the American healthcare system works. Though, I'll admit, you find all sorts of doctors in the ER because medical school doesn't teach us anything about emergency medicine. You either educate yourself if you're interested in ER work, or you get thrown into the deep end without warning 😁

Just to play devil's advocate for those who pay out of pocket for treatment... I paid an out-of-network neurologist $83 for an EEG that literally saved my life. I could have gone to Washington, D.C., made an appointment, and waited forever, but I did this in half an hour. And I truly don't regret spending the money.

Linda Gonzalez16 said:Honestly, vertigo usually doesn't have anything to do with neurology. Most of the time, when symptoms hit you that suddenly, it's just a viral thing or some issue with your inner ear balance, or even neck problems. There are pretty straightforward tests to figure out if it's peripheral (meaning an ear issue) or central (an issue with brain centers). My advice? See an ENT specialist first, then based on what they find, head to the neurologist. And don't listen to anyone pushing unnecessary scans like a CIA-level CT scan; there are much simpler, safer, and cheaper tests available if they're actually needed.

What other kinds of screenings can be done before a CIA investigation?
I’ve been dealing with this constant ache at the base of my skull for about a month now. It isn't sharp, just this dull, nagging pressure—almost like my neck is perpetually locked up. I can't help but wonder if it's just the fallout from sitting hunched over my laptop all day at work. Most of the time it's manageable, but occasionally that heavy, "dull" sensation becomes incredibly intense. The only thing that provides any real relief is massaging the area myself; once I do, the pressure finally lets up. I actually went through something similar about a year and a half ago. Back then, I was pulling twenty-hour shifts or pushing myself way past my limit, and the pain wasn't just dull—it was brutal. It felt like the back of my head was literally going to split wide open. Is it just bad posture, or am I looking at something more serious?😬

I’m feeling a bit anxious here, and honestly, I really don't have the patience to deal with a neurologist right now. The thought of sitting in waiting rooms all day, bouncing from one specialist's office to another just to get a diagnosis sounds exhausting. I’m also trying to be smart about my money—I don't want to drop a massive amount on a private MRI if I don't absolutely have to. If there are less invasive or cheaper preliminary tests I could run first, I'd much rather do that. But here is my dilemma: what exactly should I be asking my primary care physician for? And please, don't give me the obvious "just go see the doctor and they will tell you what to do" response. I already know how that works. I'm looking for specific types of diagnostic tests or screenings that can be ordered upfront to narrow things down before jumping straight to the big stuff. What are the actual options out there for checking things over without immediately jumping to a high-end scan?

Steven Harris10 said:What other kinds of screenings can be done before a CIA investigation?
I’ve been dealing with this constant ache at the base of my skull for about a month now. It isn't sharp, just this dull, nagging pressure—almost like my neck is perpetually locked up. I can't help but wonder if it's just the fallout from sitting hunched over my laptop all day at work. Most of the time it's manageable, but occasionally that heavy, "dull" sensation becomes incredibly intense. The only thing that provides any real relief is massaging the area myself; once I do, the pressure finally lets up. I actually went through something similar about a year and a half ago. Back then, I was pulling twenty-hour shifts or pushing myself way past my limit, and the pain wasn't just dull—it was brutal. It felt like the back of my head was literally going to split wide open. Is it just bad posture, or am I looking at something more serious?😬

I’m feeling a bit anxious here, and honestly, I really don't have the patience to deal with a neurologist right now. The thought of sitting in waiting rooms all day, bouncing from one specialist's office to another just to get a diagnosis sounds exhausting. I’m also trying to be smart about my money—I don't want to drop a massive amount on a private MRI if I don't absolutely have to. If there are less invasive or cheaper preliminary tests I could run first, I'd much rather do that. But here is my dilemma: what exactly should I be asking my primary care physician for? And please, don't give me the obvious "just go see the doctor and they will tell you what to do" response. I already know how that works. I'm looking for specific types of diagnostic tests or screenings that can be ordered upfront to narrow things down before jumping straight to the big stuff. What are the actual options out there for checking things over without immediately jumping to a high-end scan?

It’s super sketchy trying to give medical advice based on just a few sentences, so take this with a grain of salt. That said, everything you're describing screams tension headache (especially since it flares up when you're tired, stressed, have tight neck muscles, or spend too much time at the computer, plus the massage helping...). Basically, it's caused by muscle tension in your neck and the base of your skull, and there isn't really a specific diagnostic test to "prove" it. A CT scan isn't even designed for that. Usually, treatment involves things like massage, warm baths, relaxing, and standard OTC stuff like Advil or Aleve (assuming your stomach handles them okay), maybe some mild anti-anxiety meds if needed. If those help, great. If not, hit the road and go see a pro.