About
Dr. Neil William Douglas Thomas 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 Humber River Hospital in Ottawa, ON, he is an integral part of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive neurological care in accordance with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His focus is on delivering expert assessment and management of a broad spectrum of neurological conditions, ensuring patients receive personalized and effective treatment plans. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating neurological health challenges.
Dr. Thomas graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada. With over 8 years of experience as a Neurologist since 2016, he has developed a deep expertise in managing complex neurological conditions. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his practice adheres to the highest professional standards and continuing medical education requirements.
His clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, emphasizing a holistic approach to neurological health. Dr. Thomas is committed to evidence-based practice, ongoing patient education, and providing support throughout the diagnostic and treatment process. He provides care in English and is dedicated to serving the Ottawa community with compassion, professionalism, and a focus on improving neurological outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Neil Thomas 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.
- Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.
- 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.
Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases
- Carotid Artery Stenosis (Symptomatic): Narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck, increasing stroke risk if it causes neurological symptoms.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke (Intracerebral & Subarachnoid): Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into or around brain tissue.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) / Mini-Stroke: A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often a warning sign for a future stroke.
Movement Disorders
- Huntington's Disease & Other Choreas: Inherited or acquired conditions causing involuntary, irregular, and unpredictable muscle movements.
- Essential Tremor: A nervous system disorder (neurological disorder) that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking, most often in the hands.
- Tourette Syndrome & Tic Disorders: Neurological disorders characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Neil Thomas.
- Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
- 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.
- 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.
- Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Thomas 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 Ontario (CPSO) and relevant neurological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Humber River Hospital's neurology unit is situated in Ottawa's Lower Town neighborhood, close to the historic Sandy Hill East and the vibrant ByWard Market. The hospital is conveniently accessible via public transit, including OC Transpo's O-Train LRT and bus routes. It is located near Ottawa City Hall (Lisgar St. entrance) and the Department of National Defence (Louis St. Laurent Building). The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Parking is available at or near the hospital, providing easy access for patients and visitors seeking neurological care in a comfortable and accessible environment.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Thomas, a Neurologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Thomas, as well as many diagnostic tests (e.g., EEG, EMG, review of MRI/CT scans), are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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. Thomas's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Thomas, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Thomas 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 are migraines typically managed by a Neurologist?
- Migraine management is multifaceted. Dr. Thomas will work with you to identify triggers, discuss lifestyle modifications (diet, sleep, stress management), and recommend acute treatments to stop a migraine when it occurs (e.g., triptans, CGRP antagonists). For frequent or severe migraines, preventive treatments may be prescribed, which can include oral medications, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, or newer CGRP monoclonal antibodies. A personalized treatment plan is key.
- 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. Thomas if needed.
- 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. Thomas 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. Thomas can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.
- 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. Thomas can provide a comprehensive overview of MS and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific type of MS and disease activity.
Humber River Hospital
75 Bruyere St
Ottawa, ON K1N 5C8
Phone: (613) 562-6262
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Thomas is a licensed Neurologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Thomas for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Thomas-Neil-William-Douglas/0272919-95838