neurology examination - should I have been asked to strip down?
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello. This is something that's bothered and annoyed me for years but I didn't do anything about it. I was having dizzy spells and saw a neurology consultant at a private hospital. During the appointment the consultant asked me to strip down to just my knickers. I was shocked at this and asked why. He said it was so that he could see if I was walking straight. He didn't offer me a chaperone and I felt extremely uncomfortable but assumed he knew what he was talking about so dutifully did as he asked. So just in my knickers I did what he told me and walked up and down the room while he watched.
He told me to get dressed again, said he thought the dizzy spells were down to stress (I was trying for a baby at the time) and I left.
It's bugged me all this time (this was some 18 years ago now) and I'd just like to know if it's normal practice during a neurology examination??
1 like, 8 replies
SteV3 burlington
Posted
You can ask for a chaperone if you feel that way, and uncomfortable with any doctor or consultant.
It is quite normal to be asked by Neurology Consultant to strip down just to your underwear, what they are looking for is if you are walking with a slight "gait" which could lead you to be off-balance. I have it done in many times, so it is quite normal, after awhile you do get used to it, but you can ask at anytime you feel uncomfortable about doing something in front of a doctor.
Regards.
burlington SteV3
Posted
SteV3 burlington
Posted
The funny thing is, my neurologist was a woman and I am a man. Wde were in a private room and she was paged at the time, but she did ask me to strip down, now I must of been naive because when returrned to back to see me, I was lying completely naked on a bed. Her first words were "I do not wish to see those parts!" - since then I have always asked how far, instead of embarressing myself and doctor!
burlington SteV3
Posted
Yes, that's why I still think there was something not quite right. Really wish I'd have followed it up with the hospital at the time. I know it was years ago but I still feel annoyed about it!
SteV3 burlington
Posted
I have seen both because I did have cancer about 6 years ago, still in remission, just this last year to gó.
burlington SteV3
Posted
Thanks for your help. I'd be interested to know what others think - if anyone else thinks it shouldn't have happened.
dorothy90221 burlington
Posted
burlington dorothy90221
Posted
Thanks for your reply. X