About
Dr. Khalid Walid George Gazala 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 St Michaels Hospital in Oakville, ON, he is an integral part of the local medical community. Dr. Gazala provides comprehensive neurological care, addressing a wide spectrum of conditions that impact nervous system health. His approach emphasizes personalized, compassionate treatment to improve quality of life for his patients. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating neurological conditions, ensuring they receive thorough and empathetic care tailored to their specific needs.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Baghdad College of Medicine in Iraq and has accumulated over 13 years of experience as a Neurologist since 2011. Dr. Gazala is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), adhering to the high standards of medical practice mandated by the CPSO. His extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure that patients receive evidence-based, up-to-date neurological care.
Dr. Gazala is committed to patient-centered care, employing a holistic approach to neurological health that integrates clinical expertise with ongoing patient education and support. He values open communication, empowering his patients in their health journey. In addition to English, he speaks Arabic, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population in Oakville. His dedication to excellence and compassionate care makes him a trusted provider in the community.
Dr. Khalid Gazala 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.
- Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.
- 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.
Headache Disorders
- Trigeminal Neuralgia & Other Facial Pain Syndromes: Chronic pain conditions affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain.
- Chronic Daily Headache: Headaches occurring 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
- Migraine (with or without Aura): A type of headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Cognitive Disorders & Dementia
- Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior.
- Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): A group of disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality, behavior, and language.
- Vascular Dementia: Dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to stroke or a series of small strokes.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Khalid Gazala.
- 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.
- 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.
- Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Gazala 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.
St Michaels Hospital is situated in Oakville's West Oak Trails, Glen Abbey West neighbourhood, serving as a key medical facility within the hospital complex. The neurology unit is conveniently located within the hospital, offering specialized neurological services. The practice is situated close to the Glen Abbey Community Centre, making it accessible for local residents. Public transit options, including Oakville Transit, provide easy access to the hospital. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for visitors, facilitating convenient access to appointments.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Gazala, a Neurologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Gazala, 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. Gazala's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Gazala, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Gazala 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. Gazala 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. Gazala can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.
- 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. Gazala will determine which tests, if any, are appropriate for your situation.
St Michaels Hospital
Room 6 151, 3001 Hospital gate, Dept of Endocrinology & Metabolism
Oakville, ON L6M 0L8
Phone: (905) 845-2571 | Fax: (905) 338-4372
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Gazala 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. Gazala 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/Gazala-Khalid-Walid-George/0249301-88318