How to Find a Neurologist When Suffering from Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a potentially disabling disorder of the brain as well as the spinal cord. In this disease, the immune system attacks the protective sheath called myelin that covers nerve fibres and causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Eventually, the disease can cause the nerves to weaken or become permanently damaged. This can lead to a number of symptoms like blurring of vision, weakness of body, difficulty in walking, imbalance and urinary problems.

If a patient has these symptoms or a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, a neurologist consultation is essential and once this decision is taken,  there is still another vital decision to make – choosing the best neurologist. A neurologist’s knowledge and expertise play a considerable role in diagnosing neurological diseases and minimising neurological disabilities. Getting treatment from the best neurologist in best hospital in Delhi ensures a quick recovery. Dr. Kapil Kumar Singhal, Senior Consultant – Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, mentions below few factors that one has to keep in mind to find the neurologist in Delhi, when suffering from multiple Sclerosis.

Get Referrals

The patient should start by reviewing the referral list that their primary care doctor laid out for them. More referrals can be added to the list by asking friends, family, and other healthcare providers. It is essential to take time to enquire the doctor’s credentials and experience through a reliable source. We at Max Healthcare, are termed as the one of the best brain hospital and neurology hospital in Delhi and have a specialised and immensely skilled panel of doctors.

Neurologist’s Credentials

Certification is one of the leading factors to keep in mind when choosing a neurologist. Credentials, training, as well as the education of a neurologist help in determining the qualification of a neurologist. It exhibit’s a doctor’s experience and skills required to treat multiple sclerosis. The results entirely depend on the neurologist's knowledge and expertise to diagnose this neurological disease.

Consider the Neurologist’s Experience

When a person is facing potentially disabling neurological problems, the experience of a neurologist is valued. The more experience a neurologist has with a condition, the better the results will be. Also, do not forget to inquire about the doctor’s experience in treating MS cases. MS is a disease in which a lot of research is going on internationally and a number of new treatments options are coming up. A neurologist who is updated with the recent advances can be the right person for a MS patient. One should not take risks with their multiple sclerosis treatment and visit a neurologist immediately.

Research/Tertiary care Hospital Quality

It is essential to consider the quality of care at the hospital where the neurologist treats their patients. Hospital quality matters because patients at top hospitals with good ratings tend to have lesser complications and far better survival rates. Moreover, it is crucial for the patient to consider the hospital’s location as the patient has to regularly visit the hospital for tests or treatment, so the travel should be hassle-free and less time taking.

Multiple sclerosis requires a team approach, where neurologist, radiologist, rehabilitation and other ancillary services play a very important role in providing a comprehensive care to the patient. MS requires a number of investigations like MRI, ophthalmology evaluation, laboratory investigations and other electrophysiology like VEP. It is of utmost importance that these services are available at the same hospital for patient’s convenience as well as coordination between all departments involved in patient management.  

Evaluate Communication Style

Patients should choose doctors with whom they are comfortable talking and who support their information needs. Multiple sclerosis is a complex disease which demands accurate as well as trustful conversations between the patient and the neurologist. Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which a number of treatment decisions require discussions between patient and doctor whether it is for modification for treatment or for rehabilitation. It is always a right decision to choose a neurologist who is easily approachable by the patient, who considers their treatment preferences, and also ensures that there is an active two-way communication with the patient.

The parameters mentioned above are necessary to consider when looking for a neurologist for MS treatment. Ultimately, neurologists who have hands-on experience with a particular condition tend to have the best results. Choosing a neurologist who has the expertise and experience to develop an effective treatment plan which is as per the recent/latest guidelines as well as suiting the patients needs is highly important. Multiple Sclerosis a complex disease and getting the care a patient needs are best handled by a neurologist who specialises in treating this disease.