Neurologist versus a Phyciatrist

[tryinghard]

(I may have spelled both wrong!!)

Ok, just got off the phone with difficult child's Pediatrition (sp) describing his current challenges of raging and his learning disabilities.

He suggested we go to see boh a Neurologist and a Phyciatrist.

Is this normal?

 

[Andy]

If you can get a referral to a neurologist - GO FOR IT!! A neurologist can give tests such as MRI's, EEGs, etc. In my difficult child's world, the neurologist is working with us on migranes and looking for possible seizures. I am sure others have more insight - Get as many tests as you can.

My easy child was just sent to a phyciatirist which was very new to me - had NEVER heard that one before. I was wondering why she was being sent to a psychiatrist for sweaty arm pits - then I noticed there was no "s" at the beginning of the word. I don't totally understand it - I think it has to do with pain management when you can not locate the pain? In easy child's case it was for botox to stop excessive sweating of arm pits. I know - these don't seem to go together either. I hope someone else also has more info on.

Oh, try googling to see what you can find.

Again, any time you can get a referral from your doctor to see a specialist - go for it and know how fortunate you are - I know some docs who will not refer even if they don't know what is going on.

 

[Andy]

Need to google the right spelling or will be totally confused.

Let us know how the physiatry goes and what help they are. I am curious as to how they fit in.

 

[BusynMember]

It's a good idea to go to both. But don't expect them to find the same sort of things. Neurologists look for medical conditions that they can mainly document (there are some that are guesswork). Psychiatrists look for chemical imbalances in the brain. I prefer NeuroPsychs (sort of a combination of both) to either of them. They do a lot of serious evaluations that can take up to ten hours. However, they can't run tests like EEGs. They CAN spot LDs, autistic spectrum disorder, and psychiatric problems. Psychiatrists often miss neurological problems and neurologists actually aren't all that good at catching autistic spectrum disorder (especially the high functioning type). Good luck!

 

[klmno]

difficult child has seen psychiatrists (for evaluations), neuropsychologist (for testing), and a neurologist (for a test). they all focus on different aspects but when you put it all together, it eased my mind a lot that we were on the right track, even if the diagnosis gets "tweaked" later on. I think the one you would want to "lead" the treatment and finalize the diagnosis would probably depend on the specific area of problem. I would take advantage of any referral for any test- and be happy that the dr apparently wants to be as thorough as possible by recommending all this.

 

[tryinghard]

Thanks to everyone that posted. Sounds like I need to get a referral to a Neuro Physc too....

doctor was a little reluctant and told me behavior was normal until I started giving him specifics...he seemed a bit more understanding then!

I am VERY grateful that he is being so proactive. He has always seemed like a nice guy and really wants to help the kids.

 

[klmno]

PS Since our neuropsychologist was a partner of the psychiatrist, she said she didn't look for or diagnosis psychiatric problems. She left that up to the psychiatrist. Some of this may also depend on state regulations, I am not sure.

 

[witzend]

I would think that he wants you to go to a neurologist to rule out organic causes, and a psychiatrist to set up a medication plan and follow up.

I could be wrong, for sure, though.

 

[amazeofgrace]

we've gone to both and I feel neither did much, I am still seeking a good neuropsychologist in my area

 

[Hound dog]

I'm glad your doctor was wise enough to want to do both. in my opinion it's always best to cover as many bases as possible.

Hugs