Get to Know Dr Janaka Seneviratne: The Neurologist Who Never Stops Asking Questions
“There’s still so much about the brain we haven’t been able to figure out. We still haven’t quite cracked the code yet.”
It’s that sense of curiosity that seems to define Dr Janaka Seneviratne.
As a Consultant Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist, Dr Seneviratne spends his days investigating some of the most complex and fascinating conditions in medicine. From concussion injuries and nerve disorders to multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease, his work centres on understanding the intricate pathways of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.
But his journey into medicine began long before he stepped into a consulting room.
As a teenager, Dr Seneviratne experienced a serious injury that required a prolonged hospital admission. Rather than discouraging him, the experience left a lasting impression.
“I was inspired by the medical team, the doctors, nurses and allied health staff who worked quite hard to help me make a full recovery,” he recalls.
That experience planted the seed for a career in medicine. Later, after graduating from medical school, another group of mentors helped shape his future.
“I had the opportunity to work with some really good neurologists and neurophysiologists who inspired me again. They became my mentors.”
Today, more than 20 years into his career, Dr Seneviratne divides his time between private clinical practice, hospital work, teaching neurology trainees, and conducting medico-legal assessments. It’s a role that combines clinical expertise with detective work.
One case in particular remains memorable.
A woman in her thirties had been referred for assessment following a workplace concussion. Despite ongoing symptoms, her initial investigations were normal. While others were questioning whether psychological factors might be contributing to her condition, Dr Seneviratne noticed something didn’t fit.
“There were abnormal neurological signs that suggested a problem with the central nervous system.”
Further investigations revealed the true diagnosis: multiple sclerosis.
The discovery changed the course of her treatment and allowed her to access specialist care much sooner.
“It’s life-changing when patients receive the appropriate treatment early.”
Stories like this highlight an aspect of medicine that Dr Seneviratne is particularly passionate about which is looking beyond the obvious.
Even in the medico-legal setting, where patients are often referred for a specific opinion, he believes doctors have an ongoing duty of care.
“If we find something that’s not right, or there are red flags, you’ve got to do the right thing.”
His specialist expertise in neurophysiology also leads to some surprising conversations with patients.
When performing electromyography (EMG) studies, he often tells people that he’s going to “listen” to their muscles.
“Most of them get puzzled,” he laughs.
Using specialised equipment, electrical signals generated by muscles can actually be heard and analysed, helping identify nerve and muscle disorders.
For Dr Seneviratne, it’s another reminder of how remarkable the nervous system truly is.
Outside of medicine, however, life is a little less complex.
When asked what he wanted to be before becoming a doctor, his answer comes instantly.
“A Formula One driver.”
And when asked how he switches off from the demands of neurology?
“Golf.”
Simple, effective, and perhaps a little less risky than Formula One.
What stands out most about Dr Seneviratne is not just his expertise, but his enduring fascination with learning. Despite years of experience, he remains captivated by the mysteries of the human brain and nervous system.
“We’re still discovering new things every day.”
For patients, colleagues, and the young neurologists he now teaches, that curiosity is one of his greatest strengths, a reminder that the best doctors never stop asking questions.
