[Physician-patient relationship in neurological diseases]

Neurological illness may lead to considerable disability with consequent social, work and family repercussions. Many patients with chronic neurological disorders consider it essential to maintain good doctor-patient relationships so as to be able to adapt to and face their disabilities. The patient needs to be understood, because he believes that since the doctor understands his symptoms, he will be able to establish a diagnosis and therapeutic approach. He also needs to be able to understand the information that the neurologist gives him. Therefore the doctor should use simple language with no terminology which may be difficult to understand.

In this study we analyze the characteristics of the doctor-patient relationship in neurological disorders affecting young people, of which multiple sclerosis is the most representative, and in elderly patients in whom Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases are the commonest. We also consider important aspects of the doctor-patient relationship, such as the style and empathy of the neurologist, and also the significance of the neurological disorder for the patient and his family.

It is important that both the patient and his doctor understand what each expects of the other, so as to establish a satisfactory relationship between them.