What is an anamnesis and why should it be done?

During a history, the health care provider will ask questions about the nature of the symptoms, when they began, how long they lasted, whether anything is improving or worsening the symptoms, and whether any other symptoms have been noticed. In addition, the health care provider may ask questions about previous medical conditions, surgeries, medication use, allergies and other relevant aspects of the medical history.

Anamnesis is an important part of the diagnostic process because it helps the health care provider gain a better understanding of the patient's situation, identify possible causes of the symptoms and determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. It is important to be open and honest during an anamnesis and provide all relevant information to help the health care provider make an accurate assessment.

The steps in an anamnesis

An anamnesis is usually taken by a health care provider, such as a doctor or nurse. The process of taking an anamnesis usually involves the following steps:

1. Introduction: The health care provider introduces himself/herself and explains that he/she will discuss the patient's medical history and symptoms.
2. Asking open questions: The health care provider begins by asking open-ended questions to allow the patient to talk freely about his/her symptoms and experiences. These questions may include the nature of the symptoms, when they began and how they have changed over time.
3. Asking targeted questions: After the initial open-ended questions, the health care provider will ask more targeted questions to obtain specific information. These may include questions about symptoms related to the symptoms, previous medical conditions, medication use, allergies, surgeries, family history and lifestyle factors.
4. Systematic approach: To ensure that no important information is missed, the health care provider can take a systematic approach, going through different systems of the body, such as the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, etc. This involves asking specific questions about any symptoms or problems associated with those systems.
5. Summarize and verify: At the end of the history, the provider will summarize the main points and present them to the patient for verification. This is to ensure that all information has been correctly understood and recorded.

It is important for the patient to answer the questions asked honestly and completely during the history. This helps the health care provider make an accurate assessment and establish the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

Hair transplant history

The history, or medical history, is usually taken during the initial consultation for a hair transplant. During this session, the doctor or specialist will ask questions about your health history, including any medical conditions, medication use, allergies and previous surgical procedures. This information is essential to assess whether you are a good candidate for a hair transplant and to identify any potential risks or complications. It is important to be honest and open during this phase to ensure that you receive the best possible care and results.

When taking a history before a hair transplant, there are several aspects that may be important. Here are some questions that may be relevant and affect the hair transplant:

History of hair loss

It is important to know when the hair loss began, how long it has lasted and whether specific patterns or progression have been noticed. This helps in assessing eligibility for a hair transplant and determining the expected result.

Medical conditions

It is relevant to ask about any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension or autoimmune diseases, as these may affect hair growth and the healing process after transplantation.

Medication use

The use of certain medications can cause or affect hair loss . It is important to know if the patient is taking medications that may affect hair growth, such as immunosuppressants or blood pressure medication.

Previous treatments

It is relevant to ask if the patient has had previous medical or surgical treatments for hair loss, such as previous hair transplants, laser treatments or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapies.

Allergies and sensitivities

It is important to know if the patient is known to have allergies or sensitivities to certain medications, such as local anesthetics or antibiotics, that may be used during the hair transplant.

Lifestyle and expectations

It is also important to discuss the patient's lifestyle, including any smoking, alcohol consumption and use of dietary supplements. In addition, it is important to find out what the patient's expectations are regarding the outcome of the hair transplant.

Gathering this information during the history helps the physician make a thorough assessment of suitability for a hair transplant, plan the procedure and offer appropriate advice to the patient.