People who work in the medical field sometimes forget that having a surgery — even a minimally invasive surgery — is a very frightening endeavor for most patients. This is why you and your loved ones must be staunch advocates in locating a practice that makes you feel comfortable in the hands of an expert. Here are a few tips to help you find the best physicians and staff when you require microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm.
Leaders in Microvascular Decompression
One of the best places to begin your search is with your primary-care physician. After all, this physician is probably the first one you turned to when you started experiencing the spasms. Your physician knows your medical history and personality type and can direct you to a surgeon who is knowledgeable about the condition and has the skills to address it well. Even if your doctor isn’t familiar with a surgeon who does this type of surgery, he likely knows colleagues who can give glowing recommendations for two or three neurosurgeons in your city.
Ask for recommendations for board-certified neurosurgeons. Physicians who have passed the boards have additional training and skills in their particular field of medicine. They offer exceptional expertise in their medical skills, as well as empathy, patient-centered care and a passion for obtaining the latest education.
Another wise way to find out about other patients’ experiences with a particular neurosurgeon is to call the offices and ask if any former patients are willing to talk about their experiences with the physician, the staff and the follow-up care.
The Office Staff
Doctors who truly care about the well-being of their patients make it a top priority to hire staff members who are knowledgeable, compassionate and detail-oriented. They arrange continuing education for their staff members so they, too, are up-to-date about the latest developments in the field of neurological sciences. The physicians will also have access to the best equipment to diagnose and treat the neurological problems that afflict their patients.
Personable Care
It’s not only important for neurosurgeons to have exceptional skills, it’s also crucial for them to be approachable, friendly and not intimidating. After all, the surgeon and other medical professionals have your life in their hands during a surgical procedure, and it’s imperative that they have your utmost confidence. If you have a good rapport with your doctor and his staff, you and your loved ones will feel free to discuss any concerns you may have about the microvascular decompression.
Appointments With the Neurosurgeon
A doctor will refer you to the neurosurgeon for a consultation. This is where the surgeon goes over your medical history and discusses your experiences with the hemifacial spasms. The surgeon will ask you many questions, such as when the spasms started, how often they occur and if you have noticed any triggers that seem to exacerbate the problem.
Once the surgeon agrees that a microvascular decompression is your best option, he will explain what is causing the twitching, whether it is a tumor, result of an injury or an unknown cause. The surgeon generally uses diagrams to explain to the patient what happens during the surgery. He will also discuss the most common benefits and any risks involved in the surgery.
If you don’t feel confident that this particular surgeon is the right one for you, don’t hesitate to go to a different one for another consultation. It is vitally important that you have confidence in your surgeon. This affects your mental attitude and your recovery.
After the initial consultation, the surgeon’s nurse will call you to schedule a surgery date and a pre-admission workup. The testing done at the pre-admission workup ensures that you are healthy enough to undergo the surgery without any unnecessary complication. The doctor may also ask that you obtain a clearance for surgery from another one of your physicians. For instance, if you have a heart condition, the doctor may require that you get a clearance letter from your cardiologist.
Once the preadmission testing is complete, and you are cleared for surgery, feel free to contact the neurosurgeon’s office with any last-minute questions or concerns you or your family members may have. It’s their job to assuage any ongoing concerns, and a compassionate and caring nurse or physician will be more than happy to help soothe your anxieties.
After the surgery is over, and you have returned home, call to schedule a post-op visit with your neurosurgeon. This visit is usually one or two weeks after the surgery. The neurosurgeon may have you come back for one or two more follow-up visits during the next 12 months. The frequency depends on how well you are doing during the recovery process.
Over three-fourths of the patients who undergo microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm experience discomfort relief. Complications from the surgery are rare. Finding the best doctor to perform the surgery and provide excellent follow-up care is an ideal way to ensure that your experience is a success.
