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Initial Visit
During your initial visit you will be seen by our staff
who will ask you about your medical history and your symptoms.
A focused neurological examination will then be made by
your doctor. While many patients want to discuss in great
detail the exact event which may have caused their injury,
the most important information your health care team needs
involves your symptoms (such as where you have pain, weakness,
numbness, etc.) and what limitations these symptoms place
on your every day activities. Please take the time to
write down this information. After reviewing your medical
history and diagnostic tests, you will be presented with
a number of treatment options. We will inform you of the
risks and benefits of each option and will assist you
in making the final decision concerning which option is
best for you.
The Patient's Role
Understanding your responsibilities You are the only one
who can decide which treatment is best for you. It is
important that you recognize that you have a responsibility
to participate in, and take ownership of, any decisions
involving your health care. You will be asked to make
the final decision about what is best for you, so ask
questions about anything you do not understand. Your family
and close friends are an important part of the collaborative
process. We encourage you to include them in any education
sessions we provide concerning your condition. If you
choose to have surgery, we will make every effort to keep
family members informed of your progress and to involve
them in your recovery process. Deciding which treatment
option is best for you, involves weighing the risks and
benefits associated with each option. |
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