Dr. Farah El-Sadi – Neurologist | Newmarket, ON

Dr. Farah El-Sadi 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 Postgraduate Medical Education in Newmarket, ON, she is an integral part of the local medical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. El-Sadi provides comprehensive neurological care for a wide spectrum of conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. Her focus is on delivering patient-centered, evidence-based treatment tailored to each individual's needs. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating neurological conditions.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Oxford Medical Sciences Division in the United Kingdom. With over three years of experience as a Neurologist since 2021, she has developed expertise in managing complex neurological cases. Dr. El-Sadi is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certification ensure she is well-equipped to provide expert neurological assessments and treatments.

Dr. El-Sadi is committed to delivering holistic, compassionate care with an emphasis on patient education and ongoing support. She believes in a collaborative approach to neurological health, integrating the latest evidence-based practices with compassionate communication. Fluent in English, she endeavors to make each patient’s experience respectful and informative. Her dedication to her patients in Newmarket reflects her philosophy of comprehensive, personalized, and accessible neurological care.

Dr. Farah El-Sadi addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)

• Numbness, Tingling & Weakness (Focal or Generalized): Sensory changes or loss of strength in limbs or other body parts, potentially due to nerve or muscle disorders.
• Memory Loss & Cognitive Changes: Difficulties with memory, concentration, language, or problem-solving that interfere with daily life.
• Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.

Headache Disorders

• 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.
• Cluster Headache: Intensely painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or cluster periods, one of the most severe types of pain known.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia & Other Facial Pain Syndromes: Chronic pain conditions affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain.

Cognitive Disorders & Dementia

• Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): A group of disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality, behavior, and language.
• Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior.
• Lewy Body Dementia: A type of progressive dementia that leads to a decline in thinking, reasoning and independent function, often with visual hallucinations and parkinsonian features.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Farah El-Sadi.

• Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) - Performance & Interpretation: Recording and analysis of electrical activity in the brain, primarily used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, and other brain disorders.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. El-Sadi 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.

Located in Postgraduate Medical Education in the vibrant neighborhood of Central Newmarket, Gorham-College Manor, Dr. El-Sadi's clinic is easily accessible for residents of Newmarket and surrounding areas. The facility is conveniently situated near Upper Canada Mall, providing excellent shopping and amenities. GO Station access allows for easy transit options, and public transportation via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva is readily available. The practice is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring all patients can access neurological care comfortably. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, making visits hassle-free for patients with mobility needs or those driving from afar.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. El-Sadi, a Neurologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. El-Sadi, 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. El-Sadi's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. El-Sadi, a Neurologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. El-Sadi 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.

When should I consider seeing a Neurologist?

You should consider seeing a Neurologist if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms such as: severe or frequent headaches (especially if new or different), chronic dizziness or vertigo, numbness or tingling in your limbs, unexplained weakness, seizures or blackouts, memory problems or cognitive decline, difficulties with movement or coordination (like tremors or unsteady gait), or significant changes in vision not explained by eye problems. Your family doctor can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a neurologist like Dr. El-Sadi if needed.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. El-Sadi?

Your first appointment with Dr. El-Sadi will likely be quite thorough. She will take a detailed medical history, including your current symptoms, past illnesses, family history of neurological conditions, and any medications you are taking. A comprehensive neurological examination will be performed, which assesses things like your mental status, cranial nerves (vision, hearing, facial movement), strength, coordination, reflexes, and sensation. Based on this, Dr. El-Sadi may discuss potential diagnoses, order further tests (like an MRI, EEG, or blood work), or suggest initial treatment options. Bring a list of your medications and any relevant medical records or imaging reports if you have them.

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. El-Sadi 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. El-Sadi 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. El-Sadi is trained to investigate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of neurological conditions.

What are common diagnostic tests in Neurology?

Common tests ordered or interpreted by a neurologist include: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans to visualize the brain and spinal cord; Electroencephalogram (EEG) to record brain electrical activity (often for seizures); Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) to assess nerve and muscle function; Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap) to analyze cerebrospinal fluid; and various blood tests to look for infections, inflammation, or genetic markers. Dr. El-Sadi will determine which tests, if any, are appropriate for your situation.

Postgraduate Medical Education
Room MDCL - 3101A, 596 Davis Drive, McMaster University
Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P9

Phone: (905) 895-4521 | Fax: (905) 853-2299

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. El-Sadi 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. El-Sadi 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/ElSadi-Farah/0310476-108866