The Patient Journey
Knowing what to expect when seeing a neurologist can make the process feel much more straightforward and reassuring. Below is a guide to how my clinic works—from the moment you request an appointment to receiving your written clinic letter—alongside summary data from patients seen in my practice.
Who Visits the Clinic?
Adults of all ages travel to the clinic from across Bristol, the South West, and South Wales.
Where Patients Travel From
Areas across Bristol, the South West, and South Wales from which patients have travelled to clinic.
Patient Age & Sex Distribution
Distribution of patient ages seen in clinic.
Waiting Time for Your Appointment
Most patients are seen within around a week of booking their appointment.
Days from Booking to Consultation
Number of days between booking confirmation and the consultation taking place.
Before the Appointment
Once a provisional booking is made, a pre-appointment questionnaire is sent out for you to complete. This is carefully reviewed in advance of your visit so a clinical decision can be made on whether proceeding with the appointment is the right next step for you, and so we can make the most of our time together.
What Happens During the Consultation
A neurology consultation consists of an unhurried conversation about your symptoms (the history) and your personal goals. This is followed, where appropriate, by a physical examination.
Not all consultations require an examination, and examinations vary depending on the context. Careful observation—of movement, posture, speech, and walking—is a major part of the physical assessment, alongside hands-on testing of the cranial nerves (such as eye movements, facial movements, and hearing) and the limbs (including strength, coordination, and reflex hammer responses).
Finally, we have a clear discussion about what was found, your goals, and a tailored management plan. Often this centres on explanation, reassurance, and practical advice; sometimes further investigations or treatments are recommended.
The History & Common Symptoms
Listening carefully to how your symptoms began, how they have evolved, and how they affect your daily life is the most important part of reaching an accurate neurological diagnosis.
Commonest Symptoms in a Neurology Clinic
The top three commonest symptoms in patients seen in my neurology clinic are headache, dizziness, and numbness.
Presenting Symptom Themes (% of Patients)
Note: Many patients experience more than one symptom simultaneously, so percentages total more than 100%.
The Neurological Examination
Physical assessment begins with careful observation and, where appropriate, a targeted hands-on examination to assess how different pathways of the nervous system are functioning.
Outcomes & Next Steps
At the end of the consultation, we agree on a clear plan. Depending on your diagnosis and goals, this may involve reassurance and advice alone, arranging neuroimaging, starting or adjusting a medication, referring to specialist therapy services, or arranging a follow-up review.
Follow-Up vs Single-Visit Resolution
Many patients receive a complete answer and plan in a single consultation, while others benefit from ongoing review.
Most Frequently Recommended Medications
Receiving Your Clinic Letter
Following your consultation, a detailed clinic letter summarising our discussion, findings, and agreed plan is prepared promptly.
Hours from Consultation to Clinic Letter Completion
Turnaround time in hours from the appointment to your clinic letter being completed.
Ready to book your consultation?
If you would like to discuss your symptoms and arrange a tailored management plan, you can schedule your appointment instantly online.