About
Dr. Frank Leonard Silver 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 McArthur Medical Centre in Toronto, ON, he is an integral part of the local medical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Silver provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. His approach emphasizes thorough assessment, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support to improve neurological health and quality of life.
With a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada), Dr. Silver has over 41 years of experience as a Neurologist, having started his practice in 1983. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his adherence to rigorous professional standards. His extensive medical training and certification enable him to deliver expert neurological care tailored to adult patients’ needs.
Dr. Silver is committed to patient-centered care, employing a holistic and evidence-based approach to neurological health. He values ongoing patient education and strives to empower his patients with knowledge about their conditions and treatment options. Fluent in English, he provides compassionate and clear communication, ensuring patients in Toronto receive the highest quality neurological care in a supportive environment.
Dr. Frank Silver 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.
Multiple Sclerosis & Demyelinating Diseases
- Transverse Myelitis: Inflammation of the spinal cord, often causing weakness, sensory changes, and autonomic dysfunction below the level of the lesion.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Relapsing-Remitting, Primary Progressive, Secondary Progressive: A chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) by damaging the myelin sheath.
- Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): An autoimmune inflammatory disorder primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord.
Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases
- Ischemic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed, leading to brain cell damage.
- Carotid Artery Stenosis (Symptomatic): Narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck, increasing stroke risk if it causes neurological symptoms.
- Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST): A blood clot in the dural venous sinuses, which drain blood from the brain.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Frank Silver.
- 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.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) - Performance & Interpretation: Recording and analysis of electrical activity in the brain, primarily used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, and other brain disorders.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Silver 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.
McArthur Medical Centre is situated in Toronto's vibrant Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Grange Park neighbourhoods. It functions as a key medical facility within a larger hospital setting, offering specialized neurological services. The practice is conveniently located near the historic St. Lawrence Market and Scotiabank Arena, making it accessible for patients from across the city. Public transit options include the TTC subway, streetcar, and bus services, providing easy access for those using public transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients, and parking is available at or near the centre for those arriving by car. The location is ideal for adults seeking expert neurological care in a welcoming and accessible environment.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Silver, a Neurologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Silver, 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. Silver's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Silver, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Silver 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 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. Silver can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.
- 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. Silver 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 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. Silver 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 are migraines typically managed by a Neurologist?
- Migraine management is multifaceted. Dr. Silver will work with you to identify triggers, discuss lifestyle modifications (diet, sleep, stress management), and recommend acute treatments to stop a migraine when it occurs (e.g., triptans, CGRP antagonists). For frequent or severe migraines, preventive treatments may be prescribed, which can include oral medications, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, or newer CGRP monoclonal antibodies. A personalized treatment plan is key.
McArthur Medical Centre
399 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M5T 2S8
Phone: (416) 603-5416 | Fax: (416) 603-5768
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Silver 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. Silver 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/Silver-Frank-Leonard/0028281-33104