Dr. Joyce Tang – Neurologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Joyce Tang 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 Cottage Country Family Health Team in Toronto, ON, she is an integral part of the local medical community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring the highest quality of neurological care. Dr. Tang provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. Her focus is on delivering patient-centered, compassionate, and evidence-based neurological services, serving adult patients in the Toronto region. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating neurological conditions.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada and has been practicing as a Neurologist since 2016, accumulating over 8 years of clinical experience. Dr. Tang is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and ongoing professional development enable her to stay current with advances in neurological diagnostics and treatments, ensuring her patients receive the most effective and personalized care.

Dr. Tang is committed to providing patient-centered care by adopting a holistic approach to neurological health. She emphasizes the importance of patient education, ongoing support, and shared decision-making. Her practice is grounded in the latest evidence-based guidelines, ensuring that each patient receives tailored treatment plans that align with their individual needs and goals. She provides care in English and dedicates herself to improving the quality of life for her patients in Toronto through compassionate and expert neurological care.

Dr. Joyce Tang 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.
• Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.

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.
• Vascular Dementia: Dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to stroke or a series of small strokes.

Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders

• Generalized Epilepsy (e.g., Tonic-Clonic, Absence Seizures): Seizures that affect both sides of the brain from the onset, leading to various types of convulsions or alterations in consciousness.
• Refractory (Drug-Resistant) Epilepsy: Epilepsy that does not respond adequately to treatment with two or more appropriately chosen anti-seizure medications.
• Status Epilepticus: A medical emergency where a seizure lasts too long or when seizures occur close together without recovery in between.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Cottage Country Family Health Team is situated in Toronto's vibrant neighborhoods of Fairview, Henry Farm, and Oriole. The practice is conveniently located near the MaRS Discovery District, making it accessible for patients from various parts of the city. The facility is well-served by public transit, including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), providing easy access for patients traveling from different areas. The location is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all patients. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby parking lots, facilitating convenient visits for those arriving by car. The practice is committed to providing accessible and patient-friendly neurological care in a welcoming environment.

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

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

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

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Tang 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 are migraines typically managed by a Neurologist?

Migraine management is multifaceted. Dr. Tang 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.

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. Tang 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. Tang if needed.

How does Dr. Tang 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. Tang 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.

Cottage Country Family Health Team
5 Fairview Mall Drive
Toronto, ON M2J 2Z1

Phone: (416) 502-8100 | Fax: (416) 502-8110

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Tang 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. Tang 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/Tang-Joyce/0257765-91145