Step 1: initial exam

So you've scheduled your new patient exam with Dr Hannah, yay! There can be a lot of emotion surrounding ANOTHER evaluation with a new provider. Maybe you are feeling excited about finding a provider that specializes in POTS or maybe you are a bit hesitant after trying what feels like every therapy under the sun. I get it, and I am happy to meet you wherever you are. The initial exam serves various purposes: 1) it makes sure there are objective findings that correlate with your chief complaints; 2) it rules out other issues (ie., cardiac, immune, or endocrine pathology) that need to be addressed first; and 3) it determines if we are a good fit to work together. If for some reason we aren't a good fit or if there is another issue needing to be addressed first, I will communicate this to you and help figure out a plan for you.

We start with a 2-2.5 hour evaluation that looks at how your brain is operating through a multitude of different lenses. We will conduct a vitals assessment, perform a balance test to assess how the nerves in your feet, eyes, and inner ear (ie., vestibular system) communicate to the brain, followed by an occluded vision test. The occluded vision test reveals how the different areas of your brain that coordinate your eye movements are communicating with each other. Consider the VNG like a window into your brain and nervous system. It can shed light on different vestibular and neurologic deficits. After this first round of testing, you will discuss your medical history with Dr Hannah, complete a head-to-toe bedside exam, and finish with Dr Hannah reviewing your findings and discussing treatment options. Dr Hannah might make additional recommendations for supplements, adjunct therapies, or appropriate referrals, as well as have plenty of time for questions.