Dr. Marketa van den Elzen 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 Burnaby, 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 each patient receives tailored and effective management.
Dr. van den Elzen graduated with her MD from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in the United States. She holds specialty certification as a Neurologist, with credentials including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure she remains current with the latest advances in neurological diagnostics and treatments, offering her patients the highest standard of care.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, emphasizing a holistic and evidence-based approach to neurological health. Dr. van den Elzen is committed to ongoing patient education, ensuring individuals and their families understand their conditions and treatment options. She also speaks Czech in addition to English, facilitating communication with a diverse patient population in Burnaby and the surrounding areas. Her goal is to support her patients through compassionate, informed, and effective neurological care.
Dr. Marketa van den Elzen 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.
- Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.
Cognitive Disorders & Dementia
- Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): An intermediate stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging and the more serious decline of 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.
- Vascular Dementia: Dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to stroke or a series of small strokes.
Headache Disorders
- 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.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia & Other Facial Pain Syndromes: Chronic pain conditions affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Marketa van den Elzen.
- 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.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
- 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.
- Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
- Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. van den Elzen 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 within a specialized neurology department in Burnaby's Metrotown Area, Burnaby South neighborhood, the clinic is conveniently situated near key landmarks such as Burnaby City Hall. Patients can access the facility easily via public transit, including TransLink's SkyTrain Expo and Millennium Lines, as well as bus routes. The practice is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots provide convenient options for those arriving by car. This location serves as a vital medical facility dedicated to neurological assessment and care within a larger hospital setting, offering a supportive environment for patients and their families navigating neurological conditions.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. van den Elzen, a Neurologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. van den Elzen, 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. van den Elzen's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. van den Elzen, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. van den Elzen 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. van den Elzen?
- Your first appointment with Dr. van den Elzen 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. van den Elzen 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.
- When should I consider seeing a Neurologist?
- You should consider seeing a Neurologist if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms such as: severe or frequent headaches (especially if new or different), chronic dizziness or vertigo, numbness or tingling in your limbs, unexplained weakness, seizures or blackouts, memory problems or cognitive decline, difficulties with movement or coordination (like tremors or unsteady gait), or significant changes in vision not explained by eye problems. Your family doctor can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a neurologist like Dr. Dr. van den Elzen if needed.
Burnaby Hospital, 3935 Kincaid St, Neurology/EMG lab
Burnaby, BC V5G 2X6
Phone: (604) 412-6405 | Fax: (866) 646-3827
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. van den Elzen 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. van den Elzen 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/333945/van%20den%20Elzen%2CMarketa