About
Dr. Marcus Werner Koch is a Neurologist providing care for neurological conditions in both adult and pediatric patients. Practicing at Marcus Koch Clinic Calgary in Calgary, AB, he is an integral part of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and effective neurological care. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating the complexities of neurological health, emphasizing personalized treatment approaches and compassionate support.
He holds medical degrees and certifications from reputable institutions, including graduation with an Approbation als Arzt in Germany. Dr. Koch is a board-certified Neurologist, holding specialty certification including NETHER - Cert. by Netherlands Special Register Committee - Neurology (Adult and Pediatric). His extensive training and certification enable him to expertly evaluate and treat a broad spectrum of neurological disorders, utilizing the latest evidence-based practices.
Dr. Koch’s clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, integrating a holistic approach to neurological health. He is committed to ongoing patient education, empowering individuals with knowledge about their conditions and treatment options. His practice emphasizes evidence-based medicine, ongoing support, and collaboration with patients and their families. He provides care in English and is dedicated to serving the Calgary community with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to improving neurological outcomes.
Dr. Marcus Koch addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:
Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)
- 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.
- Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.
- Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.
Headache Disorders
- 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.
- Cluster Headache: Intensely painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or cluster periods, one of the most severe types of pain known.
- Chronic Daily Headache: Headaches occurring 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Marcus Koch.
- 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.
- Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Koch 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant neurological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Marcus Koch Clinic Calgary is situated in Calgary’s NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services, making it easy for patients to reach from various parts of the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfortable access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the clinic, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. The practice is located near major educational institutions such as SAIT and the University of Calgary, serving a diverse patient population in a vibrant community setting.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Koch, a Neurologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Koch, as well as many diagnostic tests (e.g., EEG, EMG, review of MRI/CT scans), 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. 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. Koch's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Koch, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Koch 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 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. Koch can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.
- How does Dr. Koch 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. Koch 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.
Marcus Koch Clinic Calgary
1403 29 St NW, MS Clinic FMC Special Services Building
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9
Phone: (403) 944-4253 | Fax: (403) 270-7162
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Koch is a licensed Neurologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Koch 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=45001522-5d8a-458f-b171-4856abee7d88&i=775