The Monster Within. Sheldon Cohen M.D.

motor power, strength, sensations of touch and pressure, sharp and dull, cranial nerves, more cerebellar function and reflexes, all done in quick order.

      Satisfied, he sat down and said, “That was perfect, Betty. The good news is that you show no MRI or physical examination evidence of any damage to your brain. On occasion, some brain effects could be delayed, so it would be a good idea that I see you again as an outpatient in a week or two just to play it safe and make sure there is nothing slowly developing.”

      “Sure, doctor.”

      “Now. Betty, your history also suggests a diagnosis that will need some investigation. I believe it is possible that you have a condition known as narcolepsy, where people fall suddenly asleep for no apparent reason, but that diagnosis is best confirmed by a neurologist, because it requires long-term attention and they’re the experts on this condition. There is no easy way to prove that diagnosis such as getting a simple blood test from you. My job as a surgeon is to make sure I did not have to operate on your head, which I don’t I’m happy to report, but the narcolepsy diagnosis is best made by a neurologist or your family doctor. The reason is because narcolepsy is a condition that once diagnosed means a lifetime with the illness. It can be controlled, but there is no definite cure at this time, although there is ongoing research. So, as I said, you need a neurologist in my opinion, or do you have a family doctor?”

      “I’ve been to a pediatrician as a kid, but I haven’t seen her in years. Anyhow, I think I’m getting too old for a pediatrician.”

      “Well, let me write the name of a neurologist for you that I highly recommend. The nurses can give you her office phone number. And here’s my card, I’d like to see you in a follow-up visit in about ten days.”

      “Yes, sir, and thank you, doctor. Can I go home now?” asked Betty.

      “I’m going to dictate your report with a copy to the neurologist, Dr. Reiss, and yes, I’ll discharge you for later this afternoon if someone can pick you up. It might be a good idea for you to be driven until you can get this sorted out.”

      Breathing a sigh of relief, Betty said, “Yes, my boyfriend or mother could.”