Dr. Suganth Suppiah – Neurosurgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Suganth Suppiah is a dedicated Neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system in adult patients. Practicing at Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Toronto, ON, he is an integral part of the local surgical and medical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective neurosurgical care. Dr. Suppiah provides comprehensive surgical treatment for a wide range of conditions impacting the nervous system, including trauma, tumors, and degenerative diseases, with a focus on delivering patient-centered care that emphasizes safety, precision, and optimal outcomes.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada and has been practicing as a Neurosurgeon since 2022, bringing over 2 years of focused experience in neurosurgical procedures. Dr. Suppiah is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, reflecting his advanced training and expertise in neurosurgery. His professional development includes participation in ongoing education and certification in cutting-edge neurosurgical techniques, ensuring his patients benefit from the latest advances in the field.

Driven by a commitment to patient safety and clinical excellence, Dr. Suppiah employs state-of-the-art technology and multidisciplinary collaboration to provide tailored neurosurgical care. He emphasizes clear communication, comprehensive preoperative assessment, and meticulous surgical planning. Dedicated to serving the Toronto community, Dr. Suppiah offers care in English and strives to support his patients through every stage of their treatment journey, fostering a supportive environment focused on healing and recovery.

Dr. Suganth Suppiah surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Cerebrovascular Disorders (Requiring Surgical Intervention)

• Cavernous Malformations (Cavernomas): Clusters of abnormal, dilated blood vessels that can occur in the brain or spinal cord and may cause bleeding or seizures.
• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): Bleeding into the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane, often caused by a ruptured aneurysm.
• Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH - select cases for evacuation): Bleeding within the brain tissue itself, where surgical evacuation may be considered for large or life-threatening hematomas.

Peripheral Nerve Disorders (Surgical Management)

• Traumatic Nerve Injuries (requiring repair or grafting): Severe injuries to peripheral nerves that may benefit from surgical exploration, repair, or nerve grafting.
• Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome - surgical cases): Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, potentially requiring surgical decompression or transposition.
• Peripheral Nerve Tumors (e.g., Schwannomas, Neurofibromas): Benign or malignant tumors arising from peripheral nerves that may require surgical excision.

Functional Neurosurgery & Neuropathic Pain Conditions

• Medically Refractory Epilepsy (for surgical evaluation): Epilepsy that continues despite trials of multiple anti-seizure medications, prompting consideration for surgical interventions.
• Movement Disorders (Parkinson's, Essential Tremor, Dystonia - for DBS evaluation): Evaluation for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery for patients with movement disorders not adequately controlled by medication.
• Chronic Neuropathic Pain (select cases for neurostimulation): Persistent pain due to nerve damage, where spinal cord stimulation or other neuromodulation techniques might be considered.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurosurgical condition, please consult with Dr. Suganth Suppiah.

• Interpretation of Advanced Neuroimaging (MRI, CT, Angiography, Myelography): Expert analysis of specialized imaging of the brain, spinal cord, and vasculature to guide diagnosis and surgical decision-making.
• Hydrocephalus Management (VP Shunt, ETV - Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy): Surgical treatment for abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, including shunt placement/revision and endoscopic procedures.
• Spinal Cord Tumor Resection/Biopsy: Surgical removal or biopsy of tumors located within or around the spinal cord or spinal column.
• Carotid Endarterectomy / Carotid Artery Stenting Coordination: Surgical removal of plaque from the carotid artery or stenting (often by vascular surgeons/interventionalists) to prevent stroke, with neurosurgical consultation for specific cases.
• Baclofen Pump Implantation for Spasticity Management: Surgical placement of a pump to deliver baclofen directly to the spinal fluid to reduce severe muscle spasticity.
• Pre-Surgical Planning & Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation to determine surgical candidacy, optimize patient condition before surgery, and discuss potential risks and benefits.
• Skull Base Surgery (Anterior, Middle, Posterior Fossa): Complex surgical procedures to treat tumors and other lesions located at the base of the skull, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Neurosurgical treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Suppiah for care relevant to your specific condition.

All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant neurosurgical care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario is located in Toronto’s Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Grange Park neighborhoods. The hospital is easily accessible via public transit, including the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), and is situated close to the Art Gallery of Ontario and Kensington Market access points. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring all patients can receive care comfortably. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots provide convenient options for visitors. As a key medical facility within the hospital, Dr. Suppiah’s neurosurgical services are available to adult patients seeking specialized brain and spine surgery in a welcoming and accessible environment.

Are consultations and neurosurgical procedures with Dr. Suppiah, a Neurosurgeon, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Suppiah, as well as most diagnostic imaging reviews and provincially insured neurosurgical procedures (e.g., for tumors, spine conditions, aneurysms), are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some advanced technologies, specific implantable devices, or purely elective/cosmetic procedures may have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Suppiah's office, the hospital's financial services, or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) prior to any major procedure.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Suppiah, a Neurosurgeon?

Yes, a referral from your family physician, an emergency room physician, or another specialist (like a neurologist or oncologist) is almost always required to see a Neurosurgeon such as Dr. Suppiah. Neurosurgical conditions are typically complex and require initial assessment and investigation before a neurosurgical consultation is appropriate. The referral ensures coordinated care and that you are directed to the right specialist.

What are some common procedures a Neurosurgeon performs?

Neurosurgeons perform a wide variety of intricate procedures. Common surgeries include craniotomies (opening the skull) for brain tumor removal, aneurysm clipping, or hematoma evacuation; spinal surgeries like laminectomies or discectomies for nerve decompression, and spinal fusions for instability; and placement of shunts for hydrocephalus. Dr. Suppiah would be able to discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition. Many neurosurgeons also have subspecialty interests, such as pediatric neurosurgery, spine surgery, or vascular neurosurgery.

What are the general risks associated with neurosurgery?

All surgical procedures carry some risks. For neurosurgery, these can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and neurological deficits (such as weakness, numbness, or problems with speech or vision), depending on the area being operated on. There's also the risk that the surgery may not fully alleviate the symptoms or that the underlying condition may recur. Dr. Suppiah will discuss the specific risks and potential benefits of your proposed surgery in detail, allowing you to make an informed decision.

How is a brain tumor typically treated by a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Suppiah?

The treatment for a brain tumor depends on its type, size, location, and the patient's overall health. For many tumors, surgical resection (removal) by a neurosurgeon like Dr. Suppiah is a primary treatment, aiming to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible. Surgery may also be done to obtain a biopsy for diagnosis. Often, surgery is part of a multidisciplinary approach that may also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies, coordinated with oncologists and radiation oncologists.

Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario
399 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M5T 2S6

Phone: (416) 603-5250

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Suppiah is a licensed Neurosurgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Suppiah for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Suppiah-Suganth/0288787-100998