Biography
Biography: Rudy Capildeo
Abstract
The importance and value of the first consultation with your “new” patient with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) cannot be overestimated. The natural anxiety of the patient, enhanced by spouse and other family members who also wish to gain entry, fuelled by information from friends, Dr Google and Dr Internet means that the consulting neurologist has to get it right – “first time”. In fact, time, expertise (preferably over many years), patience and the offer “I will look after you” need to be apparent from the outset. Contrary to popular belief, diagnosis is not the main issue, nor investigations or treatment. The issues revolve around the questions, which the PD patient should be encouraged to ask, “What can you do for me?” and “What can I do to help myself?” This complex scenario will be discussed in detail from my personal perspective of looking after PD patients for more than 40 years.