The Doctor Becomes the Patient: A Neurologist’s Inside View of Parkinson’s

A new and deeply personal account published in The Lancet Neurology offers a rare perspective on Parkinson’s: that of a veteran neurologist who spent 32 years treating the condition, only to be diagnosed with it himself. Dr Bülent Elibol knows Parkinson’s better than almost anyone. But when the symptoms arrived at his own door, he did exactly what many of his patients do: he denied it. The article, "Fighting Parkinson's disease: a neurologist–patient journey," reveals how even an expert can miss the signs when they are personal. For two years, Dr Elibol experienced "mild twitches" in his right thumb. He rationalised them away. He noticed his posture changing—a slight hunch he had since childhood was getting worse—but he ignored it. It was only when the tremors became persistent and unmistakably characteristic that he forced himself to face the reality. His story validates a frustration many patients feel: the gap between clinical textbooks and real life. The "Textbook" vs. The Reality Dr Elibol writes candidly about the "non-motor" symptoms that don't always make the headlines but dominate daily life. Before his diagnosis, he suffered from severe insomnia and excessive sweating—sleeping under a single sheet even in winter. He had unexplained pain in his leg and years of constipation. In the clinic, these are checkboxes on a form; at home, they were miserable, confusing realities that he didn't initially connect to his neurological health. The relief of acceptance Perhaps the most powerful insight is his admission of emotional relief. For a long time, he carried the secret alone. When he finally shared his diagnosis with his family and colleagues, the heavy psychological burden lifted. Why this matters This isn't just one doctor's diary. It is a lesson for the entire medical community. It highlights that technical knowledge is no shield against the fear and denial that comes with a diagnosis. It also reinforces that Parkinson’s is not just a "shaking palsy" but a full-body experience involving sleep, gut health, and mood. Dr Elibol’s journey from the doctor’s chair to the patient’s chair reminds us that the most vital tool in managing this condition isn't just medication—it is empathy.