Dr. Ayesha Naeem is a dedicated Neurologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles in adult patients. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital in Owen Sound, ON, she is an integral part of the local medical community. She provides comprehensive neurological care for a wide range of conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders, ensuring that adult patients receive expert management tailored to their individual needs. Her practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach, fostering a supportive environment for individuals and their families navigating complex neurological health issues.
Dr. Naeem graduated with a Medical Degree from Aga Khan University Medical College in Pakistan. Since 2023, she has been practicing as a Neurologist, accumulating over one year of specialized experience in neurological diagnosis and management. She is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her adherence to rigorous standards of medical practice and her commitment to professional excellence.
Her clinical philosophy centers on providing compassionate, evidence-based care with a holistic approach to neurological health. Dr. Naeem is dedicated to ongoing patient education, ensuring individuals understand their conditions and treatment options. She strives to support her patients in Owen Sound through personalized care, clear communication, and a commitment to improving quality of life. She offers consultations and ongoing management in English, serving as a trusted partner in neurological health for her community.
Dr. Ayesha Naeem addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:
Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)
- Seizures or Episodes of Loss of Consciousness: Events involving abnormal electrical brain activity or unexplained blackouts requiring neurological assessment.
- Memory Loss & Cognitive Changes: Difficulties with memory, concentration, language, or problem-solving that interfere with daily life.
- Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.
Headache Disorders
- Chronic Daily Headache: Headaches occurring 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia & Other Facial Pain Syndromes: Chronic pain conditions affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain.
- Tension-Type Headache: The most common type of primary headache, often described as a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck.
Neuromuscular Diseases
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): A rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system.
- Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-induced, Idiopathic): Damage to or disease affecting nerves, which may impair sensation, movement, gland or organ function, or other aspects of health.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) / Motor Neuron Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Ayesha Naeem.
- Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
- Comprehensive Neurological Consultation & Examination: In-depth evaluation of symptoms related to the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles, including detailed medical history, neurological examination, and diagnostic planning.
- Evoked Potential Studies (Visual, Auditory, Somatosensory): Tests that measure the electrical activity in the brain in response to stimulation of sight, sound, or touch, often used in diagnosing MS and other conditions.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
- Interpretation of Neurological Imaging (MRI, CT scans): Expert review and interpretation of brain and spinal cord imaging to aid in the diagnosis of neurological conditions.
- Electromyography (EMG) & Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) - Performance & Interpretation: Diagnostic tests to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons), helping diagnose nerve damage, muscle diseases, and radiculopathies.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) - Performance & Interpretation: Recording and analysis of electrical activity in the brain, primarily used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, and other brain disorders.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Naeem for care relevant to your needs.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant neurological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
The Ottawa Hospital in Owen Sound's areas near central Owen Sound serves as a vital medical hub for residents of the region. The facility is situated close to local points of interest and is easily accessible via local public transit. The hospital's specialized neurology unit offers advanced diagnostic and treatment services for neurological conditions. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots provide convenient options for visitors, supporting a comfortable and accessible environment for patients and their families seeking neurological care in Owen Sound.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Naeem, a Neurologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Naeem, as well as many diagnostic tests (e.g., EEG, EMG, review of MRI/CT scans), are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Coverage for specific medications, especially newer biologic therapies for conditions like MS or migraine, can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. Some specialized procedures or devices may also have specific coverage criteria. It's always best to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Naeem's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Naeem, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Naeem for assessment or treatment of a neurological condition. This ensures your care is coordinated, that preliminary investigations may have been done, and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific symptoms or suspected diagnosis.
- What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and how is it treated?
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), leading to a variety of neurological symptoms. Treatment focuses on managing acute relapses (often with corticosteroids), slowing disease progression with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and managing symptoms (like fatigue, spasticity, pain, bladder problems). Dr. Naeem can provide a comprehensive overview of MS and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific type of MS and disease activity.
- What does a Neurologist like Dr. Naeem specialize in?
- A Neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders affecting the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord), and muscles. She is a Neurologist specializing in disorders of the nervous system. Dr. Naeem is trained to investigate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of neurological conditions.
- What are the treatment options for epilepsy?
- The primary treatment for epilepsy is anti-seizure medication (ASM), formerly known as anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). There are many different ASMs available, and the choice depends on the type of seizures, epilepsy syndrome, age, other medical conditions, and potential side effects. For some individuals whose seizures are not controlled by medication (drug-resistant epilepsy), other options may include dietary therapies (like the ketogenic diet), neurostimulation devices (like Vagus Nerve Stimulation - VNS), or epilepsy surgery. Dr. Naeem can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.
The Ottawa Hospital
Neuromuscular Center, 1800 8th St E, Neurology
Owen Sound, ON N4K 6M9
Phone: (519) 371-5809 | Fax: (519) 371-0404
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Naeem is a licensed Neurologist 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 is typically required for consultations with Dr. Naeem 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/Naeem-Ayesha/0343463-124540