Dr James Rakshi

I am a general neurologist whose experience covers the complete range of acute and chronic neurological disorders. I have a genuine interest in the broad spectrum of neurological conditions and am often referred complex challenging cases.

I graduated from Aberdeen University, Scotland where I first developed an interest in Neurology. I developed a particular interest in brain scanning (MRI and PET) at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where the first whole body MRI scanner in the world was built.

I have trained widely in general medicine for four years at both District General Hospitals and London Teaching Hospitals before embarking on a career in neurology. Following on from my interest in functional brain imaging, I undertook four years of research at the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cyclotron Unit, Hammersmith Hospital where I studied the progression of Parkinson’s disease with PET imaging and whether drug therapy could slow down the progression. I then undertook my clinical neurology training at Atkinson Morley and St George’s Hospitals, Charing Cross Hospital, Hammersmith Hospital, Middlesex and University College Hospitals and National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London.

As part of my neurology training, I also undertook clinics and ward referrals at the following District General Hospitals (DGHs): Ealing, Hillingdon, Northwick Park, Wexham Park, Mayday, Epsom, St Helier’s, Edgware and Barnet hospitals. Through this wide general and neurological experience, I have gained particular experience in neurological complications of general medical conditions.

I have also gained particular experience and expertise in neuro-rehabilitation covering stroke, multiple sclerosis, head injury and functional disorders having worked in several units and having been in charge of running my own unit. I am currently planning to set up a Parkinson’s disease neuro-rehabilitation unit.

I have participated in research trials and published on a number of different neurological conditions. I was a member of the Brain Tumour working party for the referral Guidelines Steering Group for Central and North London representing DGH neurologists.

In 2012, I was made an Honorary Consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square London. I have been involved in teaching and training throughout my career at all levels. I have taught and presented locally, nationally and internationally to neurologists, specialist physicians, GPs, medical students, junior doctors, nurses, therapists and pharmacists as well as patient groups. I completed a co-authored chapter on General Clinical Neurology for Psychiatrists, published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Sept 2012. I am currently planning to write a textbook on Neurology for Physicians. I was made an Honorary Senior Lecturer at University College Hospital in 2005.