Dr. Blake Arden Yarascavitch

Dr. Blake Yarascavitch surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Peripheral Nerve Disorders (Surgical Management)

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (severe cases requiring surgery): Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, where surgery (carpal tunnel release) may be indicated if conservative treatments fail.
• Peripheral Nerve Tumors (e.g., Schwannomas, Neurofibromas): Benign or malignant tumors arising from peripheral nerves that may require surgical excision.
• Traumatic Nerve Injuries (requiring repair or grafting): Severe injuries to peripheral nerves that may benefit from surgical exploration, repair, or nerve grafting.

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.
• Spasticity (severe, for Baclofen pump or selective dorsal rhizotomy consideration): Severe muscle stiffness and spasms, potentially managed with implantable drug delivery systems or nerve root surgery.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain, potentially treated with microvascular decompression.

Spinal Column & Spinal Cord Disorders

• Spinal Cord Tumors (Intramedullary, Extramedullary): Abnormal growths within or surrounding the spinal cord that may require surgical removal.
• Spinal Fractures & Instability (Traumatic or Pathologic): Breaks in the vertebrae or spinal instability often requiring surgical stabilization.
• Syringomyelia (Syrinx): Formation of a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) within the spinal cord, which can expand and damage nerve tissue.

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

• Surgery for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Emergency and elective procedures for TBI, including craniotomy for hematoma evacuation, management of skull fractures, and intracranial pressure monitoring.
• Pre-Surgical Planning & Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation to determine surgical candidacy, optimize patient condition before surgery, and discuss potential risks and benefits.
• Surgical Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia & Other Facial Pain Syndromes (e.g., Microvascular Decompression): Procedures to alleviate severe facial pain caused by nerve compression or dysfunction.
• Surgical Management of Hemorrhagic Stroke (e.g., Hematoma Evacuation): Procedures to remove blood clots and relieve pressure on the brain after certain types of strokes.
• Cerebral Aneurysm Clipping & Coiling (Endovascular coiling often with Interventional Neuroradiology): Surgical or endovascular treatment to secure brain aneurysms and prevent rupture or re-rupture.
• Cavernous Malformation Resection: Surgical removal of abnormal clusters of small blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord that can cause bleeding or seizures.
• Non-Operative Management of Select Neurosurgical Conditions: Providing conservative management options when surgery is not immediately indicated, including observation, medication management referrals, and pain management strategies.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Neurosurgical treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Yarascavitch 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.

North York General Hospital in Hamilton's Corktown and Stinson neighbourhoods serves as a key medical facility for specialized neurosurgical care. The hospital is conveniently situated near the International Village BIA and Jackson Square, offering easy access for patients. Public transit options are available via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), making the hospital accessible for those using transit services. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for patients with mobility needs. Parking is available at or near the hospital, providing convenient options for patients arriving by car. This location functions as a vital hub for advanced neurosurgical procedures and comprehensive post-operative care within the Hamilton community.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Yarascavitch, 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. Yarascavitch'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. Yarascavitch, 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. Yarascavitch. 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.

Does Dr. Blake Yarascavitch perform minimally invasive neurosurgery?

Many neurosurgeons, including potentially Dr. Yarascavitch, utilize minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques when appropriate for the patient's condition. These techniques involve smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and often advanced imaging guidance, which can lead to reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. You should ask Dr. Yarascavitch if minimally invasive options are suitable for your specific neurosurgical needs.

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. Yarascavitch will discuss the specific risks and potential benefits of your proposed surgery in detail, allowing you to make an informed decision.

North York General Hospital
GSE 140, 1200 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5

Phone: (289) 426-3121 | Fax: (905) 540-5830

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Yarascavitch 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. Yarascavitch 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/Yarascavitch-Blake-Arden/0249928-88552