Dr. Laura Kathleen Brita Gill – Neurologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Laura Kathleen Brita Gill 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 neurology clinic within a hospital department in Vancouver, BC, she is an integral part of the local medical community. Dr. Gill adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that her practice aligns with the province's rigorous professional guidelines. She provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders, aiming to improve her patients' neurological health and quality of life.

She holds a medical degree (MD) from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and is certified as a Neurologist by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training and certifications reflect her expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in neurological care. Dr. Gill continually updates her knowledge through ongoing professional development and clinical practice, ensuring her patients benefit from current best practices and emerging therapies.

Dr. Gill's clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, emphasizing a holistic approach to neurological health. She values clear communication, ongoing patient education, and collaborative decision-making to support her patients' well-being. Fluent in English, she provides compassionate, evidence-based care to adult patients in Vancouver, fostering a supportive environment for those navigating complex neurological conditions.

Dr. Laura Gill addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)

• Seizures or Episodes of Loss of Consciousness: Events involving abnormal electrical brain activity or unexplained blackouts requiring neurological assessment.
• 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.
• Memory Loss & Cognitive Changes: Difficulties with memory, concentration, language, or problem-solving that interfere with daily life.

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.
• Muscular Dystrophies (e.g., Duchenne, Becker, Myotonic Dystrophy): A group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-induced, Idiopathic): Damage to or disease affecting nerves, which may impair sensation, movement, gland or organ function, or other aspects of health.

Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders

• Focal (Partial) Epilepsy (with or without secondary generalization): Seizures originating in one area of the brain, which may or may not spread to become generalized.
• 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. Laura Gill.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Gill 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.

Dr. Gill practices in a neurology department located in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver, BC. The facility is situated conveniently within proximity to the Downtown Entertainment District, offering easy access for patients and families. Public transit options include TransLink services such as SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), buses, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront station). The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for individuals with mobility needs. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, providing flexible options for your visit.

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

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

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

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Gill 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 does Dr. Gill 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. Gill 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.

What does a Neurologist like Dr. Gill specialize in?

A Neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders affecting the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord), and muscles. She is a Neurologist specializing in disorders of the nervous system. Dr. Gill is trained to investigate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of neurological conditions. She is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based neurological care to adult patients in Vancouver.

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. Gill 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. Gill 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. Gill?

Your first appointment with Dr. Gill 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. Gill 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.

2775 Laurel St, Epilepsy Clinic, 8th Floor Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

Phone: (604) 875-4402 | Fax: (604) 875-4786

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Gill 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. Gill 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/338936/Gill%2CLaura