About
Dr. Stephanie Christine Hammond 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 Magnolia Health Center in London, ON, she is an integral part of the local medical community. She provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. Her commitment is to deliver personalized, evidence-based neurological care in a supportive environment, ensuring patients and their families feel informed and empowered throughout their treatment journey.
Dr. Hammond graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada. She has been practicing as a Neurologist since 2023, accumulating over 1 year of specialized experience in the field. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and ethics in Ontario.
Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, combining a holistic approach to neurological health with the latest evidence-based practices. Dr. Hammond is dedicated to ongoing patient education and support, providing thorough explanations and tailored treatment plans. She is committed to serving the London community with compassionate, high-quality neurological services, communicating fluently in English to ensure clear understanding and effective care delivery.
Dr. Stephanie Hammond addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:
Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)
- 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.
- Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.
- Memory Loss & Cognitive Changes: Difficulties with memory, concentration, language, or problem-solving that interfere with daily life.
Neuromuscular Diseases
- Myasthenia Gravis: A chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): A rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system.
- 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.
Headache Disorders
- Cluster Headache: Intensely painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or cluster periods, one of the most severe types of pain known.
- Tension-Type Headache: The most common type of primary headache, often described as a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck.
- Migraine (with or without Aura): A type of headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Stephanie Hammond.
- Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Hammond 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.
Magnolia Health Center is situated in London's Oakridge neighborhood, within the Westmount North area. The clinic is conveniently located near Victoria Park, a well-known community hub. Patients can access the center via the London Transit Commission (LTC) public transit system, with bus stops nearby. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, providing flexible options for parking and convenience during appointments.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Hammond, a Neurologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Hammond, 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. Hammond's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Hammond, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Hammond 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. Hammond 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.
- 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. Hammond will determine which tests, if any, are appropriate for your situation.
- 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. Hammond if needed.
- What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Hammond?
- Your first appointment with Dr. Hammond 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. Hammond 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 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. Hammond can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.
Magnolia Health Center
304-350 Oxford St W
London, ON N6H 1T3
Phone: (519) 672-9100 | Fax: (519) 672-8644
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Hammond 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. Hammond 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/Hammond-Stephanie-Christine/0342486-151172