Preparing for a Clinic Visit

  • Things to do before your appointment

    • Fax us records. Ask your child’s primary care provider to fax us records about your child’s overall health and growth. If your child is seeing a neurologist, the fax number is 206-987-2649. For neurosurgery, fax to 206-985-3385.
    • Provide test results related to your child’s condition. Most of the time, the doctor who refers you to Seattle Children’s will send copies of lab results, imaging studies and other helpful information. Ask your doctor to send them, or bring copies to your appointment.
    • Learn more about what to do before your appointment.

  • What happens during a clinic visit?

    After check-in, you and your child will go to an exam room. Members of the neurosciences team will see your child.

    Your child’s doctor may order some tests. Depending on your child’s condition, they may need 1 or more of these:

    • EEG (electroencephalogram)
    • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
    • CT (computed tomography) scan
    • Blood tests

    Your child may need follow-up clinic visits and possibly more testing.

    For information on visiting Seattle Children’s clinics, please see Your Child’s Clinic Visit.

  • Directions, parking and entering

    Get maps and directions to Seattle Children’s hospital and clinic locations.

    Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow time for registration.

    Questions?

    Call 206-987-2016.

Preparing for an EEG

An EEG (electroencephalogram) records the electrical activity of your child’s brain, sometimes called the brain waves. First, we place small metal disks around your child’s head. This does not hurt.

Preparing for a CT Scan

A CT scan, sometimes called a CAT scan, uses X-rays and computers to take a series of detailed pictures.

To learn what to expect and to help your child prepare, read CT Scan (Spanish) (PDF).

Preparing for an MRI Scan

An MRI scan uses a very strong magnet, radio waves and computers to make detailed pictures. This does not hurt, but the machine is noisy.

The test takes 30 to 60 minutes. If your child cannot stay still that long, we will give them medicine to make them sleep (anesthesia). To help know what to expect, read Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Spanish) (PDF).

Preparing to Visit the First Seizure Clinic

If your child has an appointment for seizures, please complete this description form (PDF) and send it in before your appointment.

At the clinic, we evaluate your child to learn more about the type of seizure, its cause and whether your child may have epilepsy. The information you provide will help us determine if the seizure was caused by a temporary problem like a high fever or is an epileptic seizure.

Preparing for a Visit About Headaches

If your child has an appointment for headaches, please start keeping a record of the headaches right away. Bring it to your appointment. Having a record of the headaches will help us figure out the best way to manage them.

Preparing for Surgery

Preparing your child and yourselves for surgery may help reduce your family’s stress during this time.

Preparing for a Hospital Stay

Paying for Care

Learn about paying for care at Seattle Children’s including insurance coverage, billing and financial assistance.