I am on the wait list for a neurologist appointment. He's pretty good and well respected, but I can't get in until this summer. We have a shortage of neuros in town. I was able to get into another neuro while I wait. He wants to do a nerve conduction test to see if I have neuropathy. I have many symptoms and a family history. Anyhow, he is still practicing but he is old. He is 78 and it worries me that he may be past his prime for this procedure. He seemed ok in person, but doing the test is another thing.

What do you all think?

Kay

Hi Kay,

As with all Drs it doesn't matter what age they are, but how well they keep up with current research and practices. With today's technology can you not search for references for him and get an idea of the treatment you are likely to receive.

On a personal note, I have come across many younger Neuros who were arrogant, ignorant and all-round idiots.

Dave.

A couple of my BEST doctors were older. A D.O. I saw for many years still worked PT into his 90's....he knew so much and kept up on enough.

Thanks for responding. It appears that the equipment in his office is dated. He does not keep up with current research etc. He is old school. He's been around for a very long time and was considered a good neurologist, most people state it's time for him to retire. I was just afraid that age might be an issue. He does walk with a cane, but appears to be in decent shape.

Kay

If he was considered a good Neuro, I would be inclined to at least have an initial Consultation. Good Neuros are as rare as hen's teeth

Dave.

Thank you. I have seen him and he has ordered the nerve conduction test I'm nervous about. I have an appointment with another Neuro that is well respected in town, but not until August.

Kay

Hi kaybaby

I can understand your concern about seeing an old doctor with dated equipment. I had a nerve conduction study done in a public hospital (I'm in NZ under a public Health system) - and I can guarantee you it wouldn't have been the most up-to-date equipment. This type of testing has been used for long time and the technological process hasn't changed much over decades - just newer equipment and computer linked interfaces to interpret the data. It would have been usual for your neuro to have undergone specific training with the equipment at the time it was introduced to the practice. With age comes experience and unless his eyesight is going and he misreads the results I wouldn't worry.

Have you read (or been given) any info on what the test involves? It's not invasive but be prepared for some pain due to the electric current. Here's a link to some info with a 'patient risk' paragraph at the bottom.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerve_conduction_study

All the best for the test - let us know how you get on.

the older ones have alot of experience, compared to younger neuros, take that into account, like the other poster said if hes not an old time stubborn doctor, he will be efficient.

who had an excellent reputation in the community. He had trained many of the neurologists in my county. He was my 2nd opinion and I really was excited to see him. The pros were he was a real gentleman and took his time with me. The cons were he was old school, not current or willing to be and told me that all my symptoms were because I crossed my legs. If I stopped doing that it would all go away. I do believe he was a good doctor at one time, but that time was gone. Because he was top doc other neurologists on the same chain would not go against his diagnosis and it has caused me problems.

I had my 1st nerve conduction study done at my GP's. My primary neurologist looked at it and told me we would have to do another as it was not complete enough for him. My question to you is will your insurance cover another one? If not you might want to wait. It is my understanding that many doctors prefer there own tests.

Thank you all so much for your responses. He is a nice guy, walks with a cane but otherwise looks like he's in decent health. The NCV/EMG is done by him in his office. Insurance will cover it.

My daughter has CIDP and I sat with her while she had hers done in another town. I do know what to expect. Luckily, I have a high pain tolerance.

I don't know why the thought of him being 78 freaks me out.

Kay