My Birdsongs in Clinical Neurology

Author: Katrak Sarosh M New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers 2024. Paperback. 146 pages Dr. Katrak, Emeritus Professor of Neurology at Grant Medical College and Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Hospital, has an enviable reputation as a teacher, especially in the field of clinical neurology. He rivals his own teacher – Dr. Noshir H. Wadia. His talks at meetings and conferences attract large numbers of those keen to learn. Not many know of his non-medical interests, where, too, he shines. He has long been an ardent photographer and, as this book shows, an avid birdwatcher. I also envy his eye for curiosa – which most of us miss or glance at and ignore. Not so with Dr. Katrak. He makes a note, takes photographs and then embarks on a research study with striking results. One instance in this book is to be found on page 5 – calligraphy on the arch of the Taj Mahal in Agra. I will leave you to marvel at his findings and conclusion. (Unfortunately, this item has not been listed in his otherwise comprehensive index.) His explanation of the title of this book in his preface also incorporates his dismay at the ecological disasters that mankind has wreaked on nature in general and the community of birds in particular. The second paragraph of his Preface discusses what is an especially painful trend for him and all those who have based their understanding of diseases of the nervous system on what is learnt at the patient’s bedside. In doing so, he stands shoulder to shoulder with such contemporary medical doyens as Dr. Farokh Udwadia. Dr. Katrak attempts to correct this move from clinical neurology to findings from the magical machines – the various scanners and similar equipment. He has published in this slim, and wise volume some of the fruits from his own observations over the decades. These have enabled him to make immediate diagnosis, at the bedside, of disorders – at times complex – which many lacking his skills. will uncover only after expensive and time-consuming tests. After he has demonstrated and explained the significance of the signs described in his book, many will slap their foreheads in dismay. ‘How did we miss these signs?’ An excellent example is the illustration (3.4a and b) on page 22. Since many of the descriptions in this volume have not been published earlier, this volume will be especially valuable to the student and young clinician wishing to sharpen clinical acumen. In his foreword, Dr. B. S. Singhal, himself acclaimed for his clinical skills, has pointed to some of the signs described by Dr. Katrak in the book - the ‘hair loss sign’, the namaste, worn-out heel signs and the Parvati sign. There are many more. Dr. Singhal also commends Dr. Katrak’s incorporation of relevant anatomical and physiological facts, and his skill – well-known to all those who have been fortunate to attend his lectures on topics such as eye movement disorders - in simplifying complex matters. His photographer’s eyes have ensured that all his illustrations are sharp and clear. An interesting example is the closeup view of his tuning fork on page 118. Once again, I will leave you to marvel as to why it was worn out at one tip. The book uses the system characteristic of any textbook on clinical neurology and starts with the importance of a good clinical history. Following chapters deal with higher mental functions, each of the cranial nerves, the motor system, the sensory system and so on. Practical tips are scattered throughout the book. See, for example, those on eliciting the pupillary reflex (page 30) and on examining the optic fundus (pages 31-2). Here, you will also find the reason why Dr. Katrak uses Old Spice after-shave lotion liberally. All good and experienced teachers develop their own aphorisms. Dr. Katrak closes the book with his pithy principles, explaining their derivation. This is a book to keep in front of you as you study neurology and, later, practice it. Delve into it from time to time and on each occasion, uncover a new fact or revise one that had slipped from your memory. I have learnt much from this book and am sure you, too, will find it rewarding.