About
Dr. Neil Suraj Pandya is a Neurologist providing care for neurological conditions in both adult and pediatric patients. Practicing at a dedicated neurology clinic within a hospital department in Edmonton, AB, he is an integral part of the local medical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that his practice aligns with provincial regulations and best practices. Dr. Pandya offers comprehensive neurological care, addressing a broad spectrum of conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. His approach emphasizes thorough assessment and personalized treatment, fostering a supportive environment for patients and their families navigating complex neurological issues.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta (UofA) in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Neurologist. His credentials include certification by the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC) in Neurology, encompassing both adult and pediatric neurological care. These qualifications attest to his extensive training and commitment to excellence in neurological medicine.
Dr. Pandya’s clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, combining a holistic approach with evidence-based practices. He is dedicated to ongoing patient education and support, ensuring individuals understand their conditions and treatment options. Fluent in both English and French, he strives to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations in Edmonton, offering compassionate and comprehensive neurological services tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Dr. Neil Pandya 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.
- Memory Loss & Cognitive Changes: Difficulties with memory, concentration, language, or problem-solving that interfere with daily life.
- Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.
Headache Disorders
- Tension-Type Headache: The most common type of primary headache, often described as a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck.
- Chronic Daily Headache: Headaches occurring 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
- Cluster Headache: Intensely painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or cluster periods, one of the most severe types of pain known.
Cognitive Disorders & Dementia
- 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.
- 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. Neil Pandya.
- Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
- 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.
- 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.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) - Performance & Interpretation: Recording and analysis of electrical activity in the brain, primarily used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, and other brain disorders.
- Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
- 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.
- 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. Pandya 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.
Situated in a neurology clinic within a hospital department in Edmonton's SW neighbourhoods of Ellerslie, Allard, and Rutherford, Dr. Pandya’s practice is conveniently located for residents of the city and surrounding areas. The facility is near the Botanical Gardens (Pyramids), providing a peaceful environment. Accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) including LRT and bus routes, the clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, making visits straightforward and stress-free for patients and their families.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Pandya, a Neurologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Pandya, 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. Pandya's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Pandya, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Pandya 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.
- 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. Pandya if needed.
- What does a Neurologist like Dr. Pandya 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. He is a Neurologist specializing in disorders of the nervous system. Dr. Pandya is trained to investigate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of neurological conditions.
- What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Pandya?
- Your first appointment with Dr. Pandya will likely be quite thorough. He 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. Pandya 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. Pandya will determine which tests, if any, are appropriate for your situation.
- 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. Dr. Pandya can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.
625 Parsons Rd SW, 117
Edmonton, AB T6X 0N9
Phone: (180) 469-3434 | Fax: (780) 469-5979 | Website: http://www.edmontonneurology.ca/
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Pandya 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. Pandya 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=4122a1bb-e5fb-4436-a58e-3b3f650fc628&i=1121