Dr. Hamza Jalal – Neurologist | Markham, ON

Dr. Hamza Jalal 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 COPPER CLIFF MEDICAL CLINIC in Markham, ON, he is an integral part of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. Dr. Jalal's practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring that each individual receives tailored assessment and treatment strategies in a supportive environment.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Calgary in Canada and has been practicing as a Neurologist since 2018, accumulating over six years of clinical experience. Dr. Jalal is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), holding license number 101394. His professional credentials reflect his commitment to maintaining high standards of neurological care and continuous medical education.

Dr. Jalal’s clinical philosophy centers on delivering compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic neurological care. He values ongoing patient education and strives to empower individuals in managing their nervous system health. Fluent in English and Urdu, he ensures clear communication and personalized support for his diverse patient community in Markham and beyond.

Dr. Hamza Jalal 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.
• 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.
• Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.

Headache Disorders

• Trigeminal Neuralgia & Other Facial Pain Syndromes: Chronic pain conditions affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain.
• Tension-Type Headache: The most common primary headache, often described as a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck.
• Migraine (with or without Aura): Severe throbbing or pulsing headache often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Multiple Sclerosis & Demyelinating Diseases

• Transverse Myelitis: Inflammation of the spinal cord, causing weakness, sensory changes, and autonomic dysfunction below the lesion level.
• Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM): A rare inflammatory demyelinating condition following infection or vaccination.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Relapsing-Remitting, Primary Progressive, Secondary Progressive: Chronic autoimmune disease damaging the brain and spinal cord by attacking the myelin sheath.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) - Performance & Interpretation: Recording and analysis of electrical activity in the brain, primarily used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, and other brain disorders.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
• Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
• Electromyography (EMG) & Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) - Performance & Interpretation: Diagnostic tests to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them, helping diagnose nerve damage, muscle diseases, and radiculopathies.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Jalal 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.

COPPER CLIFF MEDICAL CLINIC is situated in Markham's Greensborough neighborhood, within a vibrant medical hub that serves the local community. The clinic is conveniently located near Market Village, which is currently undergoing redevelopment, offering a lively shopping and service environment. Accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva, the facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of movement for all patients. Ample parking options are available, including metered street parking and nearby parking lots, making visits convenient for patients and their families.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Jalal, a Neurologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Jalal, 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. Jalal's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Jalal 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.

How does Dr. Jalal 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. Jalal 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. Jalal can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.

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. Jalal 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.

COPPER CLIFF MEDICAL CLINIC
377 Church St
Markham, ON L6B 1A1

Phone: (905) 554-0140 | Fax: (365) 509-2153

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Jalal 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. Jalal 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/Jalal-Hamza/0288738-101394