About
Dr. Karolyn Hei Lun Au is a dedicated Neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system in adult patients. Practicing at a neurosurgery department within a major hospital in Edmonton, AB, she is an integral part of the local surgical and medical community. She adheres to the high standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Au provides comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, including trauma, tumors, and degenerative diseases. Her practice is committed to utilizing advanced surgical techniques and fostering a supportive environment for patients undergoing neurosurgical treatment.
She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Alberta (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Neurosurgeon. Dr. Au has completed extensive post-graduate training in neurosurgery and maintains all necessary certifications to practice neurosurgical care of the brain, spine, and nerves in Alberta. Her qualifications reflect her dedication to maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence and patient safety.
Dr. Au’s clinical philosophy centers on patient safety, precision in surgical intervention, and the utilization of the latest technology to optimize outcomes. She emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive post-operative care to support her patients throughout their treatment journey. Fluent in English, she provides compassionate and individualized care tailored to each patient's unique needs in Edmonton and the surrounding communities.
Dr. Karolyn Au surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:
Cerebrovascular Disorders (Requiring Surgical Intervention)
- Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH - select cases for evacuation): Bleeding within the brain tissue itself, where surgical evacuation may be considered for large or life-threatening hematomas.
- Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) of the Brain & Spine: Tangles of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, which can disrupt normal blood flow and risk rupture.
- Cerebral Aneurysms (Unruptured & Ruptured): A bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain, which can leak or rupture, causing a hemorrhagic stroke.
Functional Neurosurgery & Neuropathic Pain Conditions
- Spasticity (severe, for Baclofen pump or selective dorsal rhizotomy consideration): Severe muscle stiffness and spasms, potentially managed with implantable drug delivery systems or nerve root surgery.
- Chronic Neuropathic Pain (select cases for neurostimulation): Persistent pain due to nerve damage, where spinal cord stimulation or other neuromodulation techniques might be considered.
- Movement Disorders (Parkinson's, Essential Tremor, Dystonia - for DBS evaluation): Evaluation for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery for patients with movement disorders not adequately controlled by medication.
Peripheral Nerve Disorders (Surgical Management)
- Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome - surgical cases): Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, potentially requiring surgical decompression or transposition.
- Traumatic Nerve Injuries (requiring repair or grafting): Severe injuries to peripheral nerves that may benefit from surgical exploration, repair, or nerve grafting.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (severe cases requiring surgery): Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, where surgery (carpal tunnel release) may be indicated if conservative treatments fail.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurosurgical condition, please consult with Dr. Karolyn Au.
- Spinal Cord Tumor Resection/Biopsy: Surgical removal or biopsy of tumors located within or around the spinal cord or spinal column.
- Comprehensive Neurosurgical Consultation & Evaluation: In-depth assessment of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, including review of medical history, neurological examination, imaging review, and surgical planning.
- Syrinx (Syringomyelia) Decompression Surgery: Procedures to drain or shunt fluid-filled cavities (syrinxes) within the spinal cord.
- Surgery for Spinal Trauma & Fractures: Decompression and stabilization procedures for injuries to the spinal column and spinal cord.
- Spinal Fusion & Instrumentation (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar): Surgical stabilization of the spine using bone grafts and/or metallic hardware for conditions like instability, deformity, or after trauma/tumor resection.
- Cerebral Aneurysm Clipping & Coiling (Endovascular coiling often with Interventional Neuroradiology): Surgical or endovascular treatment to secure brain aneurysms and prevent rupture or re-rupture.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Neurosurgical Conditions: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed surgical or non-surgical treatment plans.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Neurosurgical treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Au for care relevant to your specific condition.
All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant neurosurgical care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Au practices at a well-equipped neurosurgery clinic within a hospital setting in Edmonton's S Central: University of Alberta, Garneau, Windsor Park neighborhood. The location is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) with options for Light Rail Transit (LRT) and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring convenience for patients with mobility needs. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing accessible and flexible parking solutions for visitors. The practice's central location and accessible environment facilitate timely and comfortable care for all patients seeking neurosurgical consultation and treatment in Edmonton.
- Are consultations and neurosurgical procedures with Dr. Au, a Neurosurgeon, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Au, as well as most diagnostic imaging reviews and provincially insured neurosurgical procedures (e.g., for tumors, spine conditions, aneurysms), are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some advanced technologies, specific implantable devices, or purely elective/cosmetic procedures may have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Au's office, the hospital's financial services, or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) prior to any major procedure.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Au, a Neurosurgeon?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician, an emergency room physician, or another specialist (like a neurologist or oncologist) is almost always required to see a Neurosurgeon such as Dr. Au. Neurosurgical conditions are typically complex and require initial assessment and investigation before a neurosurgical consultation is appropriate. The referral ensures coordinated care and that you are directed to the right specialist.
- What are the general risks associated with neurosurgery?
- All surgical procedures carry some risks. For neurosurgery, these can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and neurological deficits (such as weakness, numbness, or problems with speech or vision), depending on the area being operated on. There's also the risk that the surgery may not fully alleviate the symptoms or that the underlying condition may recur. Dr. Au will discuss the specific risks and potential benefits of your proposed surgery in detail, allowing you to make an informed decision.
- When might someone need to see a Neurosurgeon?
- A referral to a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Au is typically made by another physician when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical intervention or specialized neurosurgical assessment. This can include brain tumors, spinal disc herniations causing severe nerve compression, spinal stenosis, traumatic brain or spine injuries, cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), hydrocephalus, some forms of epilepsy, or peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes not responding to conservative treatment.
8440 112 St NW, 2D1.02
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7
Phone: (780) 407-1776 | Fax: (780) 407-8203
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Au is a licensed Neurosurgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Au for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=940c8ed7-43c7-4130-9a70-6ac0aa38c241&i=111