Dr. Nicole Ho Kwan Ng – Neurologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Nicole Ho Kwan Ng 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's Fairview neighborhood, she is an integral part of the local medical community. She provides comprehensive neurological care for a wide range of conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating neurological health concerns.

Dr. Ng graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Neurologist. She maintains her medical licensing through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of clinical practice and patient safety. She holds certifications including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to excellence in neurological care.

Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, combining a holistic approach with evidence-based practices to optimize outcomes. Dr. Ng is dedicated to ongoing patient education and support, providing care in English to best serve her Vancouver-based patients. She strives to build trusting relationships and tailor treatment plans to meet individual needs, ensuring compassionate and effective neurological care.

Dr. Nicole Ng 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.

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.
• Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior.
• Vascular Dementia: Dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to stroke or a series of small strokes.

Movement Disorders

• Essential Tremor: A nervous system disorder (neurological disorder) that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking, most often in the hands.
• Huntington's Disease & Other Choreas: Inherited or acquired conditions causing involuntary, irregular, and unpredictable muscle movements.
• Parkinson's Disease: A progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, often including tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Nicole Ng.

• 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.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) - Performance & Interpretation: Recording and analysis of electrical activity in the brain, primarily used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, and other brain disorders.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Ng 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.

In Vancouver's vibrant Fairview neighborhood, Dr. Ng's neurology clinic is situated within a modern hospital department dedicated to neurological care. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, with options including TransLink's SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The location offers wheelchair accessibility to accommodate all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, ensuring ease of access for every patient seeking expert neurological consultation and treatment.

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

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

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

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Ng 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. Ng can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Ng?

Your first appointment with Dr. Ng 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. Ng 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 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. Ng 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.

1120-777 Broadway W
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4J7

Phone: (604) 609-4142 | Fax: (778) 309-6373

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ng 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. Ng 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/341110/Ng%2CNicole