About
Dr. Charles Sung Haw is a dedicated Neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system in adult patients. Practicing at Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver, BC, 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 British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Haw provides comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, including trauma, tumors, and degenerative diseases. His focus is on delivering patient-centered, evidence-based neurosurgical interventions with an emphasis on safety, precision, and optimal outcomes.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Neurosurgeon from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His ongoing commitment to professional excellence is reflected in his certifications and participation in continuous medical education, ensuring that his practice remains aligned with the latest advancements in neurosurgery.
Dr. Haw’s clinical philosophy centers on patient safety, utilizing advanced surgical technology and techniques to provide effective treatment. He values multidisciplinary collaboration and is dedicated to offering comprehensive post-operative care. Fluent in English, he strives to foster a supportive environment for his patients, guiding them through their neurosurgical journey with compassion and expertise.
Dr. Charles Haw surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:
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
- 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.
- Chronic Neuropathic Pain (select cases for neurostimulation): Persistent pain due to nerve damage, where spinal cord stimulation or other neuromodulation techniques might be considered.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain, potentially treated with microvascular decompression.
Cerebrovascular Disorders (Requiring Surgical Intervention)
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): Bleeding into the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane, often caused by a ruptured aneurysm.
- Cerebral Aneurysms (Unruptured & Ruptured): A bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain, which can leak or rupture, causing a hemorrhagic stroke.
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurosurgical condition, please consult with Dr. Charles Haw.
- 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.
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) & Dural Fistula Treatment (Surgical Resection, Embolization, Radiosurgery Coordination): Multimodal approaches to treat abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the brain or spinal cord.
- Epilepsy Surgery (e.g., Temporal Lobectomy, Lesionectomy, Corpus Callosotomy - in selected cases): Surgical interventions for medically refractory epilepsy, aimed at removing or disconnecting the seizure focus.
- 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.
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS): Utilizing specialized techniques and smaller incisions to treat spinal conditions, aiming for faster recovery and less tissue disruption.
- Chiari Malformation Decompression: Surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the cerebellum and brainstem caused by Chiari malformation.
- Nerve Biopsy for Diagnostic Purposes: Obtaining a small sample of a peripheral nerve for pathological examination.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Neurosurgical treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Haw 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant neurosurgical care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Vancouver General Hospital, situated in Vancouver's Fairview neighbourhood, serves as the primary location for Dr. Haw’s neurosurgical practice. The hospital is a leading medical facility with a dedicated neurosurgical unit, providing specialized care in a modern setting. The practice is conveniently located within the hospital complex, allowing access to cutting-edge technology and multidisciplinary teams. The hospital is well-connected via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront), making it accessible from various parts of Vancouver and surrounding areas. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby lots are available for visitors, facilitating convenient parking options.
- Are consultations and neurosurgical procedures with Dr. Haw, a Neurosurgeon, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Haw, as well as most diagnostic imaging reviews and provincially insured neurosurgical procedures (e.g., for tumors, spine conditions, aneurysms), are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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. Haw's office, the hospital's financial services, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) prior to any major procedure.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Haw, 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. Haw. 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.
- When might someone need to see a Neurosurgeon?
- A referral to a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Haw is typically made by another physician when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical intervention or specialized neurosurgical assessment. This can include brain tumors, spinal disc herniations causing severe nerve compression, spinal stenosis, traumatic brain or spine injuries, cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), hydrocephalus, some forms of epilepsy, or peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes not responding to conservative treatment.
- How is a brain tumor typically treated by a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Haw?
- 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. Haw 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.
Vancouver General Hospital
8121-2775 Laurel St
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9
Phone: (604) 875-4391 | Fax: (604) 875-4395 | Website: http://www.vch.ca/
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Haw is a licensed Neurosurgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Haw for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/310915/Haw%2CCharles