Dr. Kimia Ghavami – Neurologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Kimia Ghavami 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 reputable neurology clinic within Vancouver, BC, 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 British Columbia (CPSBC). She provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders, ensuring that her patients receive personalized and effective treatment plans.

With extensive medical education, Dr. Ghavami graduated with an MD from the University of Calgary (Canada). She holds specialty certification as a Neurologist and maintains certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training and credentials reflect her commitment to excellence in neurological care and her ongoing pursuit of professional development.

Driven by a patient-centered philosophy, Dr. Ghavami emphasizes a holistic approach to neurological health. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based practice, ongoing patient education, and supportive care in a compassionate environment. Fluent in English, she strives to ensure that every patient in Vancouver feels informed, supported, and involved in their neurological health journey.

Dr. Kimia Ghavami 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.
• Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.
• Seizures or Episodes of Loss of Consciousness: Events involving abnormal electrical brain activity or unexplained blackouts requiring neurological assessment.

Cognitive Disorders & Dementia

• 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.
• 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.
• Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior.

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.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) / Motor Neuron Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
• 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. Kimia Ghavami.

• 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.
• Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
• 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.
• Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
• 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.
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.

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

Located in Vancouver's vibrant Fairview neighborhood, Dr. Ghavami's neurology clinic is situated within a modern hospital department that offers a welcoming and accessible environment for adult patients. The practice is conveniently positioned near The Drive' Neighbourhood, a well-known local hub. Patients can easily reach the clinic via public transit, including TransLink's SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express services at Waterfront Station. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of entry for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby to accommodate visitors arriving by car, making it straightforward for patients to access expert neurological care in Vancouver.

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

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

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

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Ghavami 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 is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and how is it treated?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), leading to a variety of neurological symptoms. Treatment focuses on managing acute relapses (often with corticosteroids), slowing disease progression with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and managing symptoms (like fatigue, spasticity, pain, bladder problems). Dr. Ghavami can provide a comprehensive overview of MS and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific type of MS and disease activity.

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. Ghavami 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.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Ghavami?

Your first appointment with Dr. Ghavami will likely be quite thorough. She will take a detailed medical history, including your current symptoms, past illnesses, family history of neurological conditions, and any medications you are taking. A comprehensive neurological examination will be performed, which assesses things like your mental status, cranial nerves (vision, hearing, facial movement), strength, coordination, reflexes, and sensation. Based on this, Dr. Ghavami may discuss potential diagnoses, order further tests (like an MRI, EEG, or blood work), or suggest initial treatment options. Bring a list of your medications and any relevant medical records or imaging reports if you have them.

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. Ghavami will determine which tests, if any, are appropriate for your situation.

2775 Laurel St Office 8209, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

Phone: (604) 568-7580 | Fax: (604) 568-9258

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ghavami 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. Ghavami 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/354431/Ghavami%2CKimia