“I was referred by the Qatari embassy to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) in London, which is one of the world’s leading centres for neurological care. From the moment I arrived, the process felt coordinated, smooth, and reassuring.
I was assessed by Dr Anand Trip and Dr Prasad Korlipara, who ordered a wide range of investigations, including MRI scans of my brain, neck, and spine, extensive blood testing, and a review by a specialist neuro-ophthalmology consultant. Within a short time, I finally had an accurate diagnosis of cervical dystonia, which required further treatment.
This multidisciplinary approach was something I had been missing. At the NHNN, every member of staff communicated with the others, and every step was explained to me.
Dr Korlipara recommended that Botox injections would be beneficial to me. Botox can be injected into muscles to relax them, which would reduce the excessive contractions that were causing my problems.
Beginning therapy
Before starting any injections, I was referred to neuro physiotherapy, which is where my condition began to improve for the first time.
I met Alex, a specialist neurological physiotherapist whose professionalism, knowledge, and kindness made a tremendous difference. She assessed me thoroughly, explained what was happening in my body, and gave me a clear plan. She worked in a coordinated way with my neurologist to make sure any therapy aligned with the timing of my Botox injections.
After the initial assessment, our sessions were a mix of guided exercises, strengthening work for my neck, shoulders, and back, and trigger point techniques (applying pressure to specific points on the body) to reduce severe pain.
What mattered most was how personalised the therapy was. If an exercise increased my pain, she immediately adapted it. She explained every detail and made sure I understood exactly how to continue my physiotherapy safely at home. She also taught me how to maintain progress between sessions and after returning to Qatar.
I saw Alex weekly at first, then every two weeks over a three- to four-month period. Her support, combined with the Botox treatment, finally began to release my neck and allow me to move again.
Regaining movement, confidence, and control
When my dystonia first appeared, I could not turn my head. I could not look to the other side. I felt stuck, both physically and emotionally.
Today, I would say I am much better. Not 100 per cent just yet, but significantly improved. When people see me now, they often say I look completely normal. I have regained the ability to drive, work, and live independently again.
This recovery is the result of the combined efforts of all the staff at the hospital. It was truly a multidisciplinary team working together.
Returning home
I have now returned to Qatar and resumed my work. I continue the exercises that Alex taught me, and they remain a key part of my recovery. I have a follow-up appointment locally for future Botox treatment, and I hope to return to the NHNN in seven months so that Dr Korlipara and his team can repeat any imaging tests and reassess my progress. Their ongoing care and open communication have given me the confidence and reassurance to begin living life positively again.”
