About
Dr. Kathryn Anne Giles 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 Springdale Medical Centre in Cambridge, ON, she is an integral part of the local medical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and ethical patient care. She provides comprehensive neurological care for a wide array of conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders, supporting patients through diagnosis, management, and ongoing treatment.
Dr. Giles graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. She has over 33 years of experience as a Neurologist, having been practicing since 1991. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her expertise and commitment to excellence in neurological medicine. Her extensive training and certification enable her to deliver specialized and evidence-based neurological services.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, emphasizing a holistic approach to neurological health. Dr. Giles is dedicated to ongoing patient education and support, ensuring that her patients are well-informed about their conditions and treatment options. She provides care in English and is committed to fostering a supportive environment for patients and their families navigating complex neurological issues.
Dr. Kathryn Giles 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.
- 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.
- Seizures or Episodes of Loss of Consciousness: Events involving abnormal electrical brain activity or unexplained blackouts requiring neurological assessment.
Multiple Sclerosis & Demyelinating Diseases
- Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM): A rare inflammatory demyelinating condition of the central nervous system, typically following an infection or vaccination.
- Transverse Myelitis: Inflammation of the spinal cord, often causing weakness, sensory changes, and autonomic dysfunction below the level of the lesion.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Relapsing-Remitting, Primary Progressive, Secondary Progressive: A chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) by damaging the myelin sheath.
Cognitive Disorders & 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.
- Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Kathryn Giles.
- 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.
- Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
- 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.
- 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.
- Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
- 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. Giles 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.
Springdale Medical Centre is situated within the Preston Centre in Cambridge's Preston Heights neighborhood. The practice is conveniently located amidst various plazas, offering easy access for patients. The facility is accessible via public transit, with Grand River Transit (GRT) routes servicing the area, and is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby lots, ensuring convenient access for visitors. As a key medical facility within the larger hospital network, Springdale Medical Centre provides specialized neurological services within a well-equipped and accessible environment for the community.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Giles, a Neurologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Giles, 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. Giles's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Giles, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Giles 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 common diagnostic tests in Neurology?
- Common tests ordered or interpreted by a neurologist include: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans to visualize the brain and spinal cord; Electroencephalogram (EEG) to record brain electrical activity (often for seizures); Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) to assess nerve and muscle function; Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap) to analyze cerebrospinal fluid; and various blood tests to look for infections, inflammation, or genetic markers. Dr. Giles will determine which tests, if any, are appropriate for your situation.
- 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. Giles can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.
Springdale Medical Centre
Unit 15, 201-182 Pinebush Rd
Cambridge, ON N1R 8J8
Phone: (226) 895-1100
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Giles 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. Giles 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/Giles-Kathryn-Anne/0042784-56762