At Your Appointment

Epilepsy Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • How many seizures have you had since our last visit?
  • Can we review your seizure diary or calendar?
  • How often, if at all, have you missed a dose of your seizure medicine? Have you had any difficulty remembering your medicine?
  • How much sleep are you getting on an average night?
  • Do you currently smoke or use alcohol?
  • How much exercise are you getting on a weekly basis?
  • When did your seizures begin? How many have you had?
  • What other symptoms do you have either before or during a seizure?
  • Do certain things seem to trigger your seizures?
  • Do your seizures happen frequently or only occasionally?
  • Have you had a recent head injury?
  • Does anyone in your family have seizures or epilepsy?
  • Are you having side effects from you medicine, such as rash, fatigue, dizziness, speech problems, memory problems, or depression? Have you had suicidal thoughts?
  • What is your main concern about an epilepsy diagnosis?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing?
  • Do my seizures mean I have epilepsy?
  • What causes seizures?
  • Could another medical condition be causing or contributing to my seizures?
  • How do you diagnose epilepsy?
  • How does epilepsy usually progress?
  • What are the potential complications of epilepsy?
  • What kind of seizures do I have?
  • What treatment do you recommend? How will we know if it is working?
  • What side effects are possible?
  • What precautions do I need to take in case I have another seizure?
  • What information should I include in my seizure diary?
  • Are there other medicines that would control my seizures better or with fewer side effects?
  • Are there restrictions to my activities, such as driving or swimming?
  • Are my new or different symptoms directly related to my epilepsy or my medicines?
  • How do you believe my epilepsy will progress? Is there anything else you recommend?
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Last Review Date: 2018 Nov 1
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Epilepsy. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350098 
  2. Managing Your Epilepsy. Epilepsy Foundation. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/managing-your-epilepsy