About
Dr. Gurleen Kaur Athwal 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 Acyroyd Medical Clinic in Richmond, BC, she is an integral part of the local medical community. She provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. Her practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and personalized neurological care. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating neurological conditions, fostering a compassionate approach to complex health issues.
Dr. Athwal graduated with an MB BCh BAO from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Ireland). She holds specialty certification as a Neurologist and maintains certifications including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her extensive education and training enable her to stay current with the latest advancements in neurological medicine, providing evidence-based and patient-centered care.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach to neurological health. Dr. Athwal is committed to ongoing patient education, clear communication, and support throughout the diagnostic and treatment process. She provides care in English and is dedicated to serving the adult population of Richmond with compassion, expertise, and integrity.
Dr. Gurleen Athwal addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:
Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)
- Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.
- Memory Loss & Cognitive Changes: Difficulties with memory, concentration, language, or problem-solving that interfere with daily life.
- 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.
Headache Disorders
- Trigeminal Neuralgia & Other Facial Pain Syndromes: Chronic pain conditions affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain.
- Migraine (with or without Aura): A type of headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Chronic Daily Headache: Headaches occurring 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
Neuromuscular Diseases
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): A rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) / Motor Neuron Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
- Muscular Dystrophies (e.g., Duchenne, Becker, Myotonic Dystrophy): A group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Gurleen Athwal.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Athwal 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.
Acyroyd Medical Clinic is situated in Richmond's Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood, a vibrant and accessible area. The clinic is conveniently located near Richmond City Hall, making it easy for patients to find. Public transit options are abundant, with TransLink's SkyTrain Canada Line and local bus services providing straightforward access. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that patients with mobility challenges can receive care comfortably. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available, offering flexibility for patients arriving by car. The clinic's central location ensures that residents of Richmond and surrounding communities can access expert neurological care with ease.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Athwal, a Neurologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Athwal, 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. Athwal's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Athwal, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Athwal 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 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. Athwal will determine which tests, if any, are appropriate for your situation.
- 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. Athwal 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. Athwal 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. Athwal 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.
Acyroyd Medical Clinic
8291 Ackroyd Rd
Richmond, BC V6X 3K5
Phone: (604) 242-3666 | Fax: (604) 394-2116 | Website: https://www.richmondspecialists.com/
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Athwal 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. Athwal 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/336016/Athwal%2CGurleen