Dr. Richard Alfred Scott Reid – Neurosurgeon | Victoria, BC

Dr. Richard Alfred Scott Reid is a dedicated Neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system in adult patients. Practicing at Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, BC, he is an integral part of the local surgical and medical community. Dr. Reid's practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that all patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based neurosurgical care. He provides comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, including trauma, tumors, and degenerative diseases. His approach is patient-centered, combining advanced surgical techniques with a compassionate understanding of each individual's needs.

Dr. Reid graduated with a Medical Doctorate from Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Neurosurgeon, with certifications including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His extensive training and ongoing professional development allow him to stay current with the latest innovations in neurosurgery, offering his patients the benefits of state-of-the-art treatment options.

He is committed to ensuring patient safety, utilizing precision surgery, and employing advanced technology to optimize outcomes. Dr. Reid emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive post-operative care, providing his patients in Victoria with expert guidance and support throughout their treatment journey. He communicates fluently in English and is dedicated to delivering clear, compassionate, and individualized care tailored to each patient's unique condition.

Dr. Richard Reid surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Spinal Column & Spinal Cord Disorders

• Syringomyelia (Syrinx): Formation of a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) within the spinal cord, which can expand and damage nerve tissue.
• Spinal Fractures & Instability (Traumatic or Pathologic): Breaks in the vertebrae or spinal instability often requiring surgical stabilization.
• Spinal Stenosis (Cervical, Lumbar): Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Cerebrovascular Disorders (Requiring Surgical Intervention)

• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): Bleeding into the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane, often caused by a ruptured aneurysm.
• Cerebral Aneurysms (Unruptured & Ruptured): A bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain, which can leak or rupture, causing a hemorrhagic stroke.
• Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH - select cases for evacuation): Bleeding within the brain tissue itself, where surgical evacuation may be considered for large or life-threatening hematomas.

Peripheral Nerve Disorders (Surgical Management)

• Peripheral Nerve Tumors (e.g., Schwannomas, Neurofibromas): Benign or malignant tumors arising from peripheral nerves that may require surgical excision.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (severe cases requiring surgery): Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, where surgery (carpal tunnel release) may be indicated if conservative treatments fail.
• Traumatic Nerve Injuries (requiring repair or grafting): Severe injuries to peripheral nerves that may benefit from surgical exploration, repair, or nerve grafting.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurosurgical condition, please consult with Dr. Richard Reid.

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Implantation & Management (for Movement Disorders, Epilepsy, Pain): Surgical placement of electrodes in specific brain areas and programming of the stimulation device for conditions like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, or epilepsy.
• Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation for Chronic Pain: Placement of a device that delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord to manage chronic back or limb pain.
• Interpretation of Advanced Neuroimaging (MRI, CT, Angiography, Myelography): Expert analysis of specialized imaging of the brain, spinal cord, and vasculature to guide diagnosis and surgical decision-making.
• Pre-Surgical Planning & Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation to determine surgical candidacy, optimize patient condition before surgery, and discuss potential risks and benefits.
• Spinal Fusion & Instrumentation (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar): Surgical stabilization of the spine using bone grafts and/or metallic hardware for conditions like instability, deformity, or after trauma/tumor resection.
• Surgery for Degenerative Spine Disease (e.g., Herniated Discs, Spinal Stenosis): Procedures such as microdiscectomy, laminectomy, and foraminotomy to relieve nerve compression and pain.
• Surgery for Spinal Trauma & Fractures: Decompression and stabilization procedures for injuries to the spinal column and spinal cord.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Neurosurgical treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Reid for care relevant to your specific condition.

All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant neurosurgical care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Victoria General Hospital, situated in the areas near central Victoria, serves as a key medical facility in the region. The hospital is conveniently accessible from the Royal BC Museum and Inner Harbour Causeway, with excellent public transit options via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for visitors, making it straightforward to attend appointments at this well-equipped hospital site. As a specialized surgical unit within Victoria General Hospital, the neurosurgical services provided by Dr. Reid are readily accessible to residents of Victoria and surrounding communities.

Are consultations and neurosurgical procedures with Dr. Reid, a Neurosurgeon, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Reid, as well as most diagnostic imaging reviews and provincially insured neurosurgical procedures (e.g., for tumors, spine conditions, aneurysms), are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some advanced technologies, specific implantable devices, or purely elective/cosmetic procedures may have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Reid's office, the hospital's financial services, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) prior to any major procedure.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Reid, a Neurosurgeon?

Yes, a referral from your family physician, an emergency room physician, or another specialist (like a neurologist or oncologist) is almost always required to see a Neurosurgeon such as Dr. Reid. Neurosurgical conditions are typically complex and require initial assessment and investigation before a neurosurgical consultation is appropriate. The referral ensures coordinated care and that you are directed to the right specialist.

What does a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Reid specialize in?

A Neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in the surgical treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, cerebrovascular system (blood vessels of the brain and spine), and peripheral nerves. He is a Neurosurgeon specializing in surgical treatment of the brain, spine, and nerves. Dr. Reid performs a range of surgical procedures to address these conditions.

When might someone need to see a Neurosurgeon?

A referral to a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Dr. Reid is typically made by another physician when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical intervention or specialized neurosurgical assessment. This can include brain tumors, spinal disc herniations causing severe nerve compression, spinal stenosis, traumatic brain or spine injuries, cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), hydrocephalus, some forms of epilepsy, or peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes not responding to conservative treatment.

What are the general risks associated with neurosurgery?

All surgical procedures carry some risks. For neurosurgery, these can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and neurological deficits (such as weakness, numbness, or problems with speech or vision), depending on the area being operated on. There's also the risk that the surgery may not fully alleviate the symptoms or that the underlying condition may recur. Dr. Dr. Reid will discuss the specific risks and potential benefits of your proposed surgery in detail, allowing you to make an informed decision.

Victoria General Hospital
1 Hospital Way
Victoria, BC V8Z 6R5

Phone: (778) 405-2167 | Fax: (778) 265-8706

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Reid is a licensed Neurosurgeon 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 or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Reid 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/333522/Reid%2CRichard