First time patient

FIRST VISIT WITH A CNI NEUROSURGEON

 

COMMON QUESTIONS OUR NEUROSURGEONS ASK

 

Where is your pain located?

 

What kind of pain are you experiencing (burning, stabbing, tingling)?

 

How long have you been experiencing the pain?

 

Have you had prior treatments or studies performed?

 

If necessary, could you provide previous X-ray or MRI images?

 

What medications are you taking, including name, frequency and dosage?

FIRST VISIT WITH A CNI NEUROLOGIST

 

COMMON QUESTIONS OUR NEUROLOGISTS ASK

 

When did your symptoms begin?

 

Does anything improve or worsen your symptoms?

 

Do you have a family history of neurological issues?

 

When did you begin taking medications?

 

How frequently do you take medications?

 

Have you had any prior treatments or testing done?

 

 

 

Treatment plans consist of various combinations depending on your specific needs:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Epidural/Blocks
  • Medications/Pain Management
  • Infusion Therapy
  • Neurology Referral
  • Home Health
  • Other Specialty Referrals
  • Surgery

CNI uses state-of-the-art imaging technology to get the best look.

  • MRI, MRA, CT or other Radiology studies
  • EMG/NCS
  • EEG

Patient form

Save time, before your visit, by reviewing and entering the information for the patient forms.
Please bring the forms with you to your appointment.

New patient form

Post surgical care

Physical Activity

  • Avoid any heavy lifting, straining, swimming, golfing, driving or riding a bicycle until after your postoperative appointment at 1 to 3 weeks.
  • Daily walking at a pace that avoids fatigue or severe pain. Increase your distance a little each day.
  • You may climb stairs when you feel able.
  • Discomfort is normal while you gradually return to normal activity, but pain is a signal to proceed more slowly.
  • Sexual relations may be resumed during the recovery period, but avoid positions that strain the neck or cause pain.
  • At your 1 to 3 week postoperative appointment, specific instructions will be given regarding an exercise program you can do at home.

 

Cervical Collar

  • Not all patients require a collar to use so follow your physician’s instructions.
  • If you are discharged with a hard cervical collar, it is to be worn as directed by your physician.
  • If you are given a soft collar for comfort, please use while active and remove when resting.

 

Working

  • Your doctor will determine when you can return to work and any restrictions.
  • Restrictions are individualized depending on the type of work and the amount of lifting, bending and twisting required at your work

 

Driving

  • You should not drive a car until released by your physician, usually after your first postoperative visit.
  • Never drive after pain medications.
  • You may ride as a passenger at any time and may also ride in a plane as necessary.
  • Take several short trips prior to a long trip. If going on a long trip, take frequent breaks (at least every hour).

 

Medications and Diet

  • Prescription pain medications will be given for discomfort which is not relieved by over-the-counter medications.
  • We expect the use of pain medicines to be very mild and dispense enough pain medicines to last the patient throughout the recovery period.
  • Heat, moderate exercise and rest will also help to improve the recovery and decrease the pain.
  • Laxatives should be used as needed. Narcotic pain medicines generally cause mild constipation.
  • You may experience some difficulty swallowing and sore throat for a few days. You may want to eat soft foods and avoid hot items during this period.
  • Drink plenty of fluids when you eat.

 

Refills

  • Refills of narcotics are generally done only during post-operative visits and will not be prescribed over the telephone unless there are extenuating circumstances.
  • Narcotics will not be filled on weekends beginning at noon on Friday or after-hours.

 

Hygiene

  • You may take a shower once the original dressing is removed from the wound. This is usually done in the hospital or the day after the discharge.
  • Do not let the shower hit directly on the wound and do not submerse the wound under water such as in a hot tub or bathtub for at least three weeks.
  • If the wound is wet, merely pat it dry. Do not rub it dry.

 

Wound Problems

  • Do not put any ointment or lotion on your incision.
  • If steri-strips (butterfly tape) were applied, you may take them off after five to seven days.
  • If Dermabond (glue) is used, this will slowly come off over two weeks.
  • If sutures are in place, they will need to come out about 1 week after surgery. If the skin sutures were removed before your discharge from the hospital, it is not necessary to keep the incision covered.
  • It is important to look at your wound on a daily basis and inspect the area for signs of redness, swelling, drainage or pus.

 

Warning Signs

If you experience any of the following report it to CNI immediately.

  • Body temperature increases to 101 or greater
  • Difficulty with swallowing becomes worse
  • Pain equal to or greater than your pre-operative state.

 

 

Physical Activity

  • Avoid any heavy lifting, straining, swimming, golfing, driving or riding a bicycle until after your postoperative appointment at 1 to 3 weeks.
  • Daily walking at a pace that avoids fatigue or severe pain. Increase your distance a little each day.
  • You may climb stairs when you feel able.
  • Discomfort is normal while you gradually return to normal activity, but pain is a signal to proceed more slowly.
  • Sitting down should be minimal during the post-op period as this will increase your back pain. You may sit to eat or when using the commode.
  • Standing for long periods will also irritate your back.
  • Sexual relations may be resumed during the recovery period, but avoid positions that strain the neck or cause pain.
  • At your 1 to 3 week postoperative appointment, specific instructions will be given regarding an exercise program you can do at home.
  • If you are discharged with support stockings, you may remove them as desired unless otherwise directed by your physician.

 

Working

  • Your doctor will determine when you can return to work and any restrictions.
  • Restrictions are individualized depending on the type of work and the amount of lifting, bending and twisting required at your work

 

Driving

  • You should not drive a car until released by your physician, usually after your first postoperative visit.
  • Never drive after pain medications.
  • You may ride as a passenger at any time and may also ride in a plane as necessary.
  • Take several short trips prior to a long trip. If going on a long trip, take frequent breaks (at least every hour).
  • You will notice back irritation when riding in a car.

 

Medications and Diet

  • Prescription pain medications will be given for discomfort which is not relieved by over-the-counter medications.
  • We expect the use of pain medicines to be very mild and dispense enough pain medicines to last the patient throughout the recovery period.
  • Heat, moderate exercise and rest will also help to improve the recovery and decrease the pain.
  • Laxatives should be used as needed. Narcotic pain medicines generally cause mild constipation.

 

Refills

  • Refills of narcotics are generally done only during post-operative visits and will not be prescribed over the telephone unless there are extenuating circumstances.
  • Narcotics will not be filled on weekends beginning at noon on Friday or after-hours.

 

Sleep

  • When lying flat, place one or two pillows underneath your knees to stay elevated.
  • When lying on your side, place a pillow between your knees and pull them up toward your chest.
  • When waking, up a stiff back is not uncommon and may be relieved with a short walk or a warm shower.
  • Take short rests throughout the day during recovery period.
  • Sleep medication is not routinely given.


Hygiene

  • You may take a shower once the original dressing is removed from the wound. This is usually done in the hospital or the day after the discharge.
  • Do not let the shower hit directly on the wound and do not submerse the wound under water such as in a hot tub or bath-tub for at least three weeks.
  • If the wound is wet, merely pat it dry. Do not rub it dry.

 

Wound Problems

  • Do not put any ointment or lotion on your incision.
  • If steri-strips (butterfly tape) were applied, you may take them off after five to seven days.
  • If Dermabond (glue) is used, this will slowly come off over two weeks.
  • If sutures or staples are in place, they will need to come out about 1 week after surgery. If the skin sutures were removed before your discharge from the hospital, it is not necessary to keep the incision covered.
  • It is important to look at your wound on a daily basis and inspect the area for signs of redness, swelling, drainage or pus.

 

Warning Signs

If you experience any of the following report it to CNI immediately.

  • Body temperature increases to 101 or greater
  • Difficulty with swallowing becomes worse
  • Pain equal to or greater than your pre-operative state.