Weakness And Fatigue: Preparing For Your Appointment

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Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What is your major symptom, weakness or fatigue?
• Have you had these symptoms before? If so:
  • Did you see a health professional for an evaluation of your symptoms?
  • What was the diagnosis?
  • How were your symptoms treated?
• What other symptoms do you have that may be related to your major symptom?
• How long have you had your symptoms? Describe what was happening when you first noticed your symptoms.
• What makes your symptoms better or worse?
• What home treatment have you tried?
• Are you experiencing any particular stress at home, work, or school that could be causing your weakness or fatigue?
• Are you using any alcohol or other drugs, such as caffeine or nicotine, that may be causing fatigue?
• What medicines have you used, both prescription and nonprescription?
• Do you have any health risks?

While you are waiting for your appointment, it may be helpful to keep a diary of your symptoms (What is a PDF document?).

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Last updated:	February 27, 2007
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Editors:	, Tracy Landauer