Dr. Farzad Tanha 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 Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre in Abbotsford, BC, he is an integral part of the local medical community. He adheres to the high standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Tanha provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. His approach emphasizes accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plans to improve patient outcomes. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating neurological conditions.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Neurologist through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training and ongoing professional development ensure he stays current with advancements in neurological care and research, enabling him to deliver evidence-based treatment tailored to each patient's needs.
Dr. Tanha is committed to patient-centered care, combining a holistic approach with the latest medical knowledge. He emphasizes ongoing patient education and support, ensuring individuals understand their conditions and treatment options. Fluent in English, he provides compassionate and clear communication tailored to each patient, with a focus on improving quality of life through personalized neurological care.
Dr. Farzad Tanha 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.
- 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.
Movement Disorders
- Dystonia (Focal, Segmental, Generalized): A movement disorder in which a person's muscles contract uncontrollably, causing repetitive or twisting movements.
- Huntington's Disease & Other Choreas: Inherited or acquired conditions causing involuntary, irregular, and unpredictable muscle movements.
- Parkinson's Disease: A progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, often including tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability.
Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders
- Refractory (Drug-Resistant) Epilepsy: Epilepsy that does not respond adequately to treatment with two or more appropriately chosen anti-seizure medications.
- Generalized Epilepsy (e.g., Tonic-Clonic, Absence Seizures): Seizures that affect both sides of the brain from the onset, leading to various types of convulsions or alterations in consciousness.
- Status Epilepticus: A medical emergency where a seizure lasts too long or when seizures occur close together without recovery in between.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Farzad Tanha.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
- Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
- Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) - Performance or Referral & Interpretation: Procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing of conditions like meningitis, encephalitis, MS, or certain neurological infections.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Tanha 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant neurological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre is situated in the Central Abbotsford, Mill Lake Area neighborhood, serving as a key medical facility within the hospital complex. The hospital is located along Essendene Ave, easily accessible via the Central Fraser Valley Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the hospital, providing convenient options for those visiting for neurological care or other medical services. As a specialized unit within the hospital, it offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options for neurological conditions, making it a vital resource for residents of Abbotsford and the surrounding communities.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Tanha, a Neurologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Tanha, as well as many diagnostic tests (e.g., EEG, EMG, review of MRI/CT scans), are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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. Tanha's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Tanha, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Tanha 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 does a Neurologist do for stroke patients?
- For acute ischemic stroke, neurologists in a hospital setting are involved in rapid diagnosis and administration of time-sensitive treatments like thrombolysis (clot-busting medication) or coordinating endovascular thrombectomy. After a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack), a neurologist like Dr. Tanha focuses on identifying the cause and implementing strategies for secondary prevention to reduce the risk of future strokes. This includes managing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and recommending antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications and lifestyle changes.
- How does Dr. Tanha manage Parkinson's disease?
- Management of Parkinson's disease is aimed at controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. This typically involves medications that increase dopamine levels in the brain (like levodopa) or mimic its effects. Other medications can help with non-motor symptoms. Dr. Tanha will also emphasize the importance of exercise, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. For some patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery may be an option. Care is highly individualized.
- 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. Dr. Tanha can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.
Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre
102-2216 Mccallum Rd
Abbotsford, BC V2S 3P3
Phone: (604) 870-8736 | Fax: (604) 870-8746
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Tanha is a licensed Neurologist 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 is typically required for consultations with Dr. Tanha 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/323891/Tanha%2CFarzad