Dr. Christopher Michael Honey – Neurosurgeon | North Vancouver, BC

Dr. Christopher Michael Honey is a dedicated Neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system in adult patients. Practicing at a neurosurgery department within a major hospital in North Vancouver, BC, he is an integral part of the local surgical and medical community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring the highest quality of care. Dr. Honey 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 precise, patient-centered neurosurgical interventions in a supportive environment, utilizing advanced techniques and multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize outcomes.

He graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Neurosurgeon. He maintains certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to the highest standards of neurosurgical practice.

Dr. Honey's clinical philosophy emphasizes patient safety, precision surgery, and the utilization of advanced technology to achieve optimal results. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based neurosurgical care to adult patients in North Vancouver. He communicates fluently in English and is committed to ensuring patients are well-informed and supported throughout their treatment journey.

Dr. Christopher Honey surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Spinal Column & Spinal Cord Disorders

• Spinal Fractures & Instability (Traumatic or Pathologic): Breaks in the vertebrae or spinal instability often requiring surgical stabilization.
• Spinal Stenosis (Cervical, Lumbar): Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Herniated Disc (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar): A condition where the soft inner portion of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the outer ring, potentially compressing nerves.

Functional Neurosurgery & Neuropathic Pain Conditions

• 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.
• 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.

Cerebrovascular Disorders (Requiring Surgical Intervention)

• Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) of the Brain & Spine: Tangles of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, which can disrupt normal blood flow and risk rupture.
• Cerebral Aneurysms (Unruptured & Ruptured): A bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain, which can leak or rupture, causing a hemorrhagic stroke.
• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): Bleeding into the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane, often caused by a ruptured aneurysm.

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

• 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.
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS): Utilizing specialized techniques and smaller incisions to treat spinal conditions, aiming for faster recovery and less tissue disruption.
• Surgery for Degenerative Spine Disease (e.g., Herniated Discs, Spinal Stenosis): Procedures such as microdiscectomy, laminectomy, and foraminotomy to relieve nerve compression and pain.
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Implantation & Management (for Movement Disorders, Epilepsy, Pain): Surgical placement of electrodes in specific brain areas and programming of the stimulation device for conditions like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, or epilepsy.
• Syrinx (Syringomyelia) Decompression Surgery: Procedures to drain or shunt fluid-filled cavities (syrinxes) within the spinal cord.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurosurgical Conditions: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed surgical or non-surgical treatment plans.
• Chiari Malformation Decompression: Surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the cerebellum and brainstem caused by Chiari malformation.

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

Dr. Honey practices at a dedicated neurosurgery clinic within a major hospital facility in North Vancouver, BC. The hospital is situated in an accessible area near central North Vancouver, with convenient access via local public transit. Patients can find the hospital easily from nearby neighborhoods and public transit routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of entry for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing flexible parking solutions for visitors. This hospital serves as a key medical center in the region, housing specialized surgical units and advanced neurosurgical services, making it a trusted destination for adult neurosurgical care in North Vancouver.

Are consultations and neurosurgical procedures with Dr. Honey, a Neurosurgeon, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Honey, 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. Honey'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. Honey, 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. Honey. 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 does a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Honey specialize in?

A Neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in the surgical treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, cerebrovascular system (blood vessels of the brain and spine), and peripheral nerves. He is a Neurosurgeon specializing in surgical treatment of the brain, spine, and nerves. Dr. Honey performs a range of surgical procedures to address these conditions.

What is recovery like after neurosurgery?

Recovery from neurosurgery varies greatly depending on the type and complexity of the surgery, the underlying condition being treated, and the individual patient's overall health. It can range from a few weeks for some minimally invasive spine procedures to several months or longer for major brain or complex spine surgeries. Recovery often involves a hospital stay, followed by a period of rest and rehabilitation, which may include physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Dr. Honey and the care team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and support throughout the recovery process.

What types of spine problems does a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Honey treat surgically?

Neurosurgeons like Dr. Honey who specialize in spine surgery treat a variety of conditions affecting the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (low-back) spine. These can include herniated discs causing nerve compression, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra), spinal fractures due to trauma, spinal tumors, and spinal deformities. Surgical procedures aim to decompress nerves, stabilize the spine, or remove tumors.

Does Dr. Honey perform minimally invasive neurosurgery?

Many neurosurgeons, including potentially Dr. Honey, 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. Honey if minimally invasive options are suitable for your specific neurosurgical needs.

231 15TH St E, Lions Gate Hospital
North Vancouver, BC V7L 2L7

Phone: (604) 984-5971 | Fax: (604) 914-3001

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Honey 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. Honey 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/341210/Honey%2CChristopher