Dr. Hassanain Sadiq Toma – Neurologist | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Hassanain Sadiq Toma 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 a hospital department in New Westminster, BC, he is an integral part of the local medical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and ethical care. Dr. Toma provides comprehensive management for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. His approach is centered on delivering personalized, patient-focused neurological care, supporting patients and their families through complex diagnostic and treatment journeys.

He holds a medical degree (MD) from the Saba School of Medicine in the Netherlands and is board-certified as a Neurologist. His certifications include recognition by the College Registration Committee, among others, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards in neurological practice. Dr. Toma continually updates his expertise through ongoing education and clinical training to stay abreast of the latest advances in neurology and neurological research.

With a patient-centered philosophy, Dr. Toma emphasizes holistic, evidence-based care tailored to individual needs. He is dedicated to ongoing patient education and support, ensuring each patient understands their condition and treatment options. In addition to English, he speaks Arabic, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population in New Westminster. His commitment is to improve neurological health outcomes through compassionate, informed, and comprehensive care.

Dr. Hassanain Toma addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)

• Memory Loss & Cognitive Changes: Difficulties with memory, concentration, language, or problem-solving that interfere with daily life.
• 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.

Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases

• Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST): A blood clot in the dural venous sinuses, which drain blood from the brain.
• 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.

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.
• Muscular Dystrophies (e.g., Duchenne, Becker, Myotonic Dystrophy): A group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
• Myasthenia Gravis: A chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body.

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

• 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.
• Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) - Performance & Interpretation: Recording and analysis of electrical activity in the brain, primarily used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, and other brain disorders.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Toma 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. Hassanain Sadiq Toma practices at a neurology clinic located in New Westminster's Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood. The facility is conveniently situated near Queensborough Landing Outlet Mall, making it accessible for patients from surrounding areas. Public transit options include TransLink services, with easy access via the SkyTrain Expo Line and local buses. The clinic is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients, and parking is available at or near the facility for added convenience.

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

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

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

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

303-233 Nelson's Crescent St N, Neurology, Dr. Hassanain Toma
New Westminster, BC V3L 0E4

Phone: (604) 759-2140 | Fax: (604) 909-1827

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Toma 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. Toma 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/342795/Toma%2CHassanain