Dr. Haakon Berge Nygaard – Neurologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Haakon Berge Nygaard 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 a neurology clinic within Vancouver's UBC Campus Proper neighborhood, he is an integral part of the local medical community. Dr. Nygaard provides comprehensive neurological care for a wide range of conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. His approach emphasizes thorough assessment, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support to promote optimal nervous system health. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating neurological conditions, ensuring compassionate and expert care.

He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in the United States. Dr. Nygaard holds specialty certification as a Neurologist and is recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). He also holds certifications including Other certification recognized by the College Registration Committee, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining high standards of practice and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Nygaard's clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, integrating a holistic approach to neurological health with evidence-based practices. He is dedicated to ongoing patient education, fostering an environment where individuals feel informed and supported in their treatment journey. Fluent in English, he strives to provide clear communication and compassionate care to all patients in Vancouver, ensuring that each person receives the attention and expertise they deserve.

Dr. Haakon Nygaard addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)

• Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.
• Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.
• 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.

Cognitive Disorders & Dementia

• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): An intermediate stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging and the more serious decline of dementia.
• 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.
• 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.

Neuromuscular Diseases

• Myasthenia Gravis: A chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body.
• 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.
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): A rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Haakon Nygaard.

• 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.
• 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.
• Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
• 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. Nygaard 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.

Dr. Nygaard practices within a well-equipped neurology department situated in Vancouver's UBC Campus Proper neighborhood. The facility is conveniently accessible via the upcoming Future Subway Extension, with excellent public transit options including TransLink's SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. The location offers a welcoming environment designed to support patients and their families in managing neurological health with comfort and confidence.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Nygaard, a Neurologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Nygaard, 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. Nygaard's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Nygaard, a Neurologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Nygaard 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. Nygaard can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.

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. Nygaard if needed.

2215 Wesbrook Mall, Neurology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3

Phone: (604) 822-7031

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Nygaard 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. Nygaard 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/345400/Nygaard%2CHaakon