Dr. Francois Mathieu – Neurosurgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Francois Mathieu 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 Toronto, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that all care provided meets rigorous professional and ethical guidelines. Dr. Mathieu provides comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of conditions affecting the nervous system, including trauma, tumors, degenerative diseases, and vascular disorders. His focus is on delivering personalized, safe, and effective treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada and has been practicing as a Neurosurgeon since 2021, accumulating over 3 years of specialized experience. Dr. Mathieu is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), demonstrating his expertise and commitment to excellence in neurosurgical care. His ongoing professional development ensures that he remains current with the latest advancements and best practices in neurosurgery.

Guided by a philosophy of patient safety, precision surgery, and utilizing cutting-edge technology, Dr. Mathieu is committed to providing exceptional care in Toronto. He emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating closely with colleagues across specialties to optimize patient outcomes. Dr. Mathieu offers his services in English and strives to create a supportive environment, ensuring patients feel informed and comfortable throughout their treatment journey.

Dr. Francois Mathieu surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

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.
• 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.
• Cavernous Malformations (Cavernomas): Clusters of abnormal, dilated blood vessels that can occur in the brain or spinal cord and may cause bleeding or seizures.

Functional Neurosurgery & Neuropathic Pain Conditions

• Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain, potentially treated with microvascular decompression.
• Chronic Neuropathic Pain (select cases for neurostimulation): Persistent pain due to nerve damage, where spinal cord stimulation or other neuromodulation techniques might be considered.
• Medically Refractory Epilepsy (for surgical evaluation): Epilepsy that continues despite trials of multiple anti-seizure medications, prompting consideration for surgical interventions.

Spinal Column & Spinal Cord Disorders

• Spinal Cord Tumors (Intramedullary, Extramedullary): Abnormal growths within or surrounding the spinal cord that may require surgical removal.
• Spondylolisthesis: A spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it, sometimes requiring fusion.
• 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. Francois Mathieu.

• 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.
• Surgery for Degenerative Spine Disease (e.g., Herniated Discs, Spinal Stenosis): Procedures such as microdiscectomy, laminectomy, and foraminotomy to relieve nerve compression and pain.
• Comprehensive Neurosurgical Consultation & Evaluation: In-depth assessment of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, including review of medical history, neurological examination, imaging review, and surgical planning.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurosurgical Conditions: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed surgical or non-surgical treatment plans.
• Spinal Fusion & Instrumentation (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar): Surgical stabilization of the spine using bone grafts and/or metallic hardware for conditions like instability, deformity, or after trauma/tumor resection.
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS): Utilizing specialized techniques and smaller incisions to treat spinal conditions, aiming for faster recovery and less tissue disruption.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (e.g., Gamma Knife, CyberKnife) Planning & Coordination: Collaborating with radiation oncologists for non-invasive, highly focused radiation treatment for brain tumors, AVMs, and other neurological conditions.

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

Dr. Mathieu practices within a neurosurgery clinic or hospital department situated in Toronto's Garden District, Ryerson neighbourhood. The facility is conveniently located near Union Station and the CN Tower, making it easily accessible via public transit, including the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The location is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients, and paid parking options are conveniently located nearby to facilitate access for those arriving by car. The environment is designed to ensure comfort, accessibility, and ease of navigation for all patients seeking neurosurgical care.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Mathieu, 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. Mathieu'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. Mathieu, 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. Mathieu. 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 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. Mathieu and the care team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and support throughout the recovery process.

What does a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Mathieu 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. Mathieu performs a range of surgical procedures to address these conditions.

What are some common procedures a Neurosurgeon performs?

Neurosurgeons perform a wide variety of intricate procedures. Common surgeries include craniotomies (opening the skull) for brain tumor removal, aneurysm clipping, or hematoma evacuation; spinal surgeries like laminectomies or discectomies for nerve decompression, and spinal fusions for instability; and placement of shunts for hydrocephalus. Dr. Mathieu would be able to discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition. Many neurosurgeons also have subspecialty interests, such as pediatric neurosurgery, spine surgery, or vascular neurosurgery.

How is a brain tumor typically treated by a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Mathieu?

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. Mathieu 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.

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

Neurosurgeons like Dr. Mathieu 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.

30 Bond St
Toronto, ON M5B 1W8

Phone: (416) 360-4000

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Mathieu 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. Mathieu 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/Mathieu-Francois/0303083-106981