Dr. Stefan Joseph Konasiewicz

Dr. Stefan Konasiewicz surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

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.
• Cavernous Malformations (Cavernomas): Clusters of abnormal, dilated blood vessels that can occur in the brain or spinal cord and may cause bleeding or seizures.
• Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) of the Brain & Spine: Tangles of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, which can disrupt normal blood flow and risk rupture.

Spinal Column & Spinal Cord Disorders

• Spinal Stenosis (Cervical, Lumbar): Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Spinal Cord Tumors (Intramedullary, Extramedullary): Abnormal growths within or surrounding the spinal cord that may require surgical removal.
• Spinal Fractures & Instability (Traumatic or Pathologic): Breaks in the vertebrae or spinal instability often requiring surgical stabilization.

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.
• Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome - surgical cases): Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, potentially requiring surgical decompression or transposition.
• 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. Stefan Konasiewicz.

• Non-Operative Management of Select Neurosurgical Conditions: Providing conservative management options when surgery is not immediately indicated, including observation, medication management referrals, and pain management strategies.
• Pre-Surgical Planning & Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation to determine surgical candidacy, optimize patient condition before surgery, and discuss potential risks and benefits.
• Chiari Malformation Decompression: Surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the cerebellum and brainstem caused by Chiari malformation.
• 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.
• Epilepsy Surgery (e.g., Temporal Lobectomy, Lesionectomy, Corpus Callosotomy - in selected cases): Surgical interventions for medically refractory epilepsy, aimed at removing or disconnecting the seizure focus.
• Management of Brachial Plexus & Lumbosacral Plexus Injuries (Surgical Repair/Grafting in select cases): Complex surgical interventions for injuries to major nerve networks.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (e.g., Gamma Knife, CyberKnife) Planning & Coordination: Collaborating with radiation oncologists for non-invasive, highly focused radiation treatment for brain tumors, AVMs, and other neurological conditions.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Neurosurgical treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Konasiewicz 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 Ontario (CPSO) and relevant neurosurgical care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Konasiewicz practices at a neurosurgery clinic within a hospital in Central Newmarket, Gorham-College Manor neighborhood. The facility is conveniently situated near Tannery Mall, making it accessible for patients from surrounding areas. Public transit options include York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva buses, providing easy access to the location. The hospital is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free entry for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, offering flexibility for visitors and patients attending appointments or procedures.

Are consultations and neurosurgical procedures with Dr. Konasiewicz, a Neurosurgeon, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Konasiewicz, as well as most diagnostic imaging reviews and provincially insured neurosurgical procedures (e.g., for tumors, spine conditions, aneurysms), are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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. Konasiewicz's office, the hospital's financial services, or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) prior to any major procedure.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Konasiewicz, 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. Konasiewicz. 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 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. Konasiewicz will discuss the specific risks and potential benefits of your proposed surgery in detail, allowing you to make an informed decision.

Does Dr. Stefan Konasiewicz perform minimally invasive neurosurgery?

Many neurosurgeons, including potentially Dr. Konasiewicz, utilize minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques when appropriate for the patient's condition. These techniques involve smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and often advanced imaging guidance, which can lead to reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. You should ask Dr. Konasiewicz if minimally invasive options are suitable for your specific neurosurgical needs. Many cases are amenable to such approaches, and he will evaluate the best technique for your condition.

When might someone need to see a Neurosurgeon?

A referral to a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Konasiewicz 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.

Suite LL2, 17730 Leslie St
Newmarket, ON L3Y 3E4

Phone: (905) 830-0667 | Fax: (905) 853-0200

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Konasiewicz is a licensed Neurosurgeon 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 or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Konasiewicz 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/Konasiewicz-Stefan-Joseph/0047021-60999