Bring the scans. Bring the questions.

1. The actual images

A written report is not enough. The specialist needs to see the CT or MRI slices — how large the collection is, whether it is acute or chronic, and whether it is shifting the brain.

• Disc, USB, or patient-portal download of the CT or MRI
• The radiology report that came with it
• Any older scans, even from a different hospital
• Operative notes if drainage or a craniotomy already happened

If you only have the report, still come. Bring a list of where the scan was done so the team can request the images.

2. Medicines — especially anything that affects clotting

Write down every prescription, supplement, and over-the-counter medicine. Flag anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs by name: warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, enoxaparin, aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor.

• Complete medication list, including doses
• Blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs circled by name
• Pharmacy or hospital list, if you have one

Do not stop a prescribed blood thinner because of this website. Stopping can cause a stroke or other clotting event. The treating team decides if, when, and how to hold a medicine. Blood thinners and subdural hematoma.

3. The hospital story

• Discharge summary, if there was an admission
• Dates of any fall, head strike, or unexplained headache
• Whether symptoms are better, the same, or worse
• Other illness: kidney disease, prior stroke, cancer, bleeding disorders

4. Questions worth asking

• Is this acute, chronic, or mixed — and how urgent is treatment?
• Is observation reasonable, or is drainage needed?
• Does MMA embolization belong in this plan, with surgery or alone?
• What is the follow-up scan schedule?
• What should send us back to an emergency department tonight?

5. Who to call

Office questions and appointment requests: Neurovascular Centers, 833-787-6539. Appointment requests are not monitored for emergencies.

Ask the office how to transfer medical records securely, or bring copies to the visit. The general appointment form is for scheduling only. Privacy & accessibility.