Dr. Sheldon Michael Baryshnik – Neurologist | Newmarket, ON

Dr. Sheldon Michael Baryshnik 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 Appletree Medical Group in Newmarket, ON, he is an integral part of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. Dr. Baryshnik adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring patients receive safe and effective neurological care. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating neurological conditions, emphasizing patient-centered approaches and compassionate support.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada and has been practicing as a Neurologist since 1979, bringing over 45 years of clinical experience. Dr. Baryshnik is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his specialized training and commitment to excellence in neurological medicine. His extensive experience enables him to diagnose complex neurological issues with precision and provide tailored treatment strategies.

Dr. Baryshnik’s clinical philosophy centers on delivering patient-centered care through a holistic and evidence-based approach. He is committed to ongoing patient education, ensuring individuals understand their conditions and treatment options. His dedication to the well-being of his patients in Newmarket is reflected in his thorough assessments and compassionate approach. Dr. Baryshnik provides care in English and strives to foster a collaborative and reassuring healthcare experience for each patient he serves.

Dr. Sheldon Baryshnik addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)

• Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.
• Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.
• Seizures or Episodes of Loss of Consciousness: Events involving abnormal electrical brain activity or unexplained blackouts requiring neurological assessment.

Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders

• Focal (Partial) Epilepsy (with or without secondary generalization): Seizures originating in one area of the brain, which may or may not spread to become generalized.
• Generalized Epilepsy (e.g., Tonic-Clonic, Absence Seizures): Seizures that affect both sides of the brain from the onset, leading to various types of convulsions or alterations in consciousness.
• Status Epilepticus: A medical emergency where a seizure lasts too long or when seizures occur close together without recovery in between.

Neuromuscular Diseases

• Myasthenia Gravis: A chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) / Motor Neuron Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-induced, Idiopathic): Damage to or disease affecting nerves, which may impair sensation, movement, gland or organ function, or other aspects of health.

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

• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
• 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.
• Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) - Performance & Interpretation: Recording and analysis of electrical activity in the brain, primarily used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, and other brain disorders.
• 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.
• 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. Baryshnik 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.

Appletree Medical Group is situated in Newmarket's Central Newmarket, Gorham-College Manor neighborhood, offering convenient access for residents. The practice is close to Magna Centre (Recreation) and the Mulock GO Station (Future), with multiple public transit options via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for patients with mobility needs. Parking is available through metered street parking and nearby lots, providing flexibility for patients visiting the clinic.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Baryshnik, a Neurologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Baryshnik, 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. Baryshnik's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Baryshnik 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 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. Baryshnik 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.

How does Dr. Baryshnik manage Parkinson's disease?

Management of Parkinson's disease is aimed at controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. This typically involves medications that increase dopamine levels in the brain (like levodopa) or mimic its effects. Other medications can help with non-motor symptoms. Dr. Baryshnik will also emphasize the importance of exercise, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. For some patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery may be an option. Care is highly individualized.

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. Baryshnik can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.

Appletree Medical Group
Unit 4, 531 Davis Drive
Newmarket, ON L3Y 6P5

Phone: (905) 895-6673 | Fax: (905) 895-8765

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Baryshnik 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. Baryshnik 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/Baryshnik-Sheldon-Michael/0021110-25898