281-543-5251 | Contact Us 2401 Fountain View Dr, Ste 312 PMB 12, Houston, TX 77057
Donate

Knuckling Up for Brain Aneurysms, AVMs & Hemorrhagic Strokes
  • Give
    • Apparel
    • Other Ways to Give
    • GIVING
    • Gifts in Honor
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Medical Advisory Board
    • Our Mission
    • Partners
    • Contact Us
  • Education
    • Understanding
      • Brain Basics
      • What is an Aneurysm?
      • What is an AVM?
      • What is a Hemorrhagic Stroke?
      • Types of Cerebral Aneurysms
      • Factors of a Brain Aneurysm
      • Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm
      • Dangers of a Brain Aneurysm
      • How Does a Brain Aneurysm Develop?
      • What Happens When an Aneurysm Bleeds?
      • How is a Brain Aneurysm Diagnosed?
    • Treatment
      • Unruptured Aneurysm
      • Ruptured Aneurysm
      • Clipping
      • Occlusion and Bypass
      • Endovascular Embolization / Coiling
      • Flow Diversion
      • Onyx Liquid Embolic System
      • Gamma Knife
      • Questions to Ask Your Doctor
      • Should I Get a Second Opinion?
      • Treating Physicians
  • Support
    • Support Groups
      • Support Group Locations
    • Recovery
      • Denial
      • Anger and Frustration
      • Depression
      • Bargaining
      • Acceptance
      • Post Recovery Issues
    • Caregivers
      • What a Caregiver Needs to Know
      • Recharging and Finding Balance
      • Looking After Yourself
    • What to Expect
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Social Media
      • Facebook
        • Patients Online Support Group
        • Caregivers Online Support Group
        • Young Adult Online Survivor’s Support Group
        • Parents Online Support Group
        • Honoring the Taken Online Support Group
      • Twitter
      • Instagram
      • YouTube
      • LinkedIn
    • Stories
      • Survivors Around the Globe
      • The Caregiver’s Side
      • Honoring the Taken
      • Submit Your Story
    • Webinars
    • Blog
    • Knuckle Up Newsletter
  • Events
    • Knuckle Ball 2023
    • 2022 Virtual 5K: Walk. Run. Row. Cycle.
  • Grants
    • Joe Niekro Research Grant
      • Letter of Intent
      • Grant Application
      • Grant Recipients
    • Joe Niekro/SNIS Research Grant
    • Joe Niekro Patient’s Choice Award
    • Joe Niekro Crystal Bat Award
Home > Treatment > Should I Get a Second Opinion?
  • Gamma Knife
  • Questions to Ask Your Doctor
  • Unruptured Aneurysm
  • Ruptured Aneurysm
  • Clipping
  • Occlusion and Bypass
  • Endovascular Embolization / Coiling
  • Flow Diversion
  • Onyx Liquid Embolic System
  • Should I Get a Second Opinion?
  • Treating Physicians

Should I Get a Second Opinion?

“What should I look for in a Neurosurgeon or Interventional Radiologist?” This is a common question many patients have as they are gaining more knowledge, and it is an answer people need to decide for themselves.  As you seek out medical advice for your care, always remember it is every patient’s right to feel comfortable with his or her decision.

For some patients that may mean only one opinion, but others benefit from a diversity of opinions or providers.  It is important for patients and caregivers to truly understand their options, and it is the responsibility of health care providers to be honest and forthcoming of medical options. Never hesitate to seek out a second or even third opinion; the more providers who look at your case, the more information you will have to determine the best decision.

Should you trust an online review when seeking out another physician? Always consider the source. Patients need to interpret online reviews in a balanced and thoughtful way.  Misunderstanding a doctor review can be a serious detriment.

The best decision is made from the patient who is well-informed.  Here are some questions that may be beneficial for you to ask when speaking to a physician about your case:

  • What is your experience with aneurysms/AVMs?
  • Where was your training and education?
  • How many aneurysm/AVM procedures do you perform in a year?
  • May I have a copy of your curriculum vitae (CV)?
  • What is your complication rate?  What is the national average?
  • What hospital(s) are you affiliated with?
  • How long will I ave to wait for an appointment after I call?
  • If I call with a question, what is the turnaround time for a response?
  • Who covers for you while you are away?

Remember to always check with your health insurer on their policy for second and third opinions.

Common Questions

  • What is a brain aneurysm?
  • What is an AVM?
  • What is a hemorrhagic stroke?
  • What are the risk factors of a brain aneurysm?
  • What are the symptoms of a brain aneurysm?
  • What are the dangers of a brain aneurysm?
  • How does a brain aneurysm develop?
  • How is a brain aneurysm diagnosed?

Upcoming Events

  • Knuckle Ball 2023
  • 2022 Virtual 5K: Walk. Run. Row. Cycle.

News Room

  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Knuckle Up Newsletter

Connect with Us

  • Subscribe to our Knuckle-Up Newsletter
  • Become a Fan on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Join our Online Aneurysm/AVM Support Group
  • Join our Online Parents Support Group
  • Join our Online Young Adult Survivor’s Support Group
  • Join our Online Aneurysm/AVM Caregivers Support Group
  • Join our Online Honoring the Taken Support Group
  • Support Group Locations
  • Contact Us
  • References
  • Privacy Policy
© 2023 Joe Niekro Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
  • Donate

    Every donation matters - every dollar counts. The Joe Niekro Foundation is a registered 501 (c)(3) which means your donations are 100% tax deductible. Your donations are used to enhance the research and treatment of brain aneurysms, AVM and hemorrhagic strokes, while supporting patients and families through the recovery process.

    Donate Now!
  • Newsletter Sign Up

    The best way to keep up to date on all the JNF happenings. Sign up today for our Knuckle Up Newsletter!