Dr. Taresa Luba Stefurak – Neurologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Taresa Luba Stefurak 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 Thornhill Medical Centre in Toronto, 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 practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and compassionate neurological care. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating complex neurological health issues.

Dr. Taresa Luba Stefurak graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. With over 24 years of experience as a Neurologist since 2000, she has developed a deep expertise in managing neurological disorders. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reaffirming her commitment to excellence in neurological practice and ongoing professional development.

Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, emphasizing a holistic approach to neurological health. Dr. Stefurak is dedicated to evidence-based practice, ongoing patient education, and providing support throughout the diagnosis and treatment process. She is committed to serving the Toronto community with compassionate, individualized care delivered in English, ensuring her patients feel informed, empowered, and cared for at every step of their neurological journey.

Dr. Taresa Stefurak 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.
• Seizures or Episodes of Loss of Consciousness: Events involving abnormal electrical brain activity or unexplained blackouts requiring neurological assessment.
• Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.

Neuromuscular Diseases

• Myasthenia Gravis: A chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body.
• Muscular Dystrophies (e.g., Duchenne, Becker, Myotonic Dystrophy): A group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): A rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system.

Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases

• Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST): A blood clot in the dural venous sinuses, which drain blood from the brain.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke (Intracerebral & Subarachnoid): Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into or around brain tissue.
• Ischemic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed, leading to brain cell damage.

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

• Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
• Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Stefurak 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.

Thornhill Medical Centre, located in Toronto's Woodbine Heights neighborhood, serves as a key medical facility providing specialized neurological care. The centre is conveniently situated near the Royal Alexandra Theatre and the Distillery District, offering easy access for patients. Public transit options include the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), ensuring accessible transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients, and parking is available at or near the centre for patient convenience. As part of a larger hospital network, Thornhill Medical Centre maintains high standards of safety, hygiene, and patient comfort, making it an ideal location for comprehensive neurological assessments and ongoing care.

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

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

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

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

How does Dr. Stefurak 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. Stefurak 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 is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and how is it treated?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), leading to a variety of neurological symptoms. Treatment focuses on managing acute relapses (often with corticosteroids), slowing disease progression with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and managing symptoms (like fatigue, spasticity, pain, bladder problems). Dr. Stefurak can provide a comprehensive overview of MS and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific type of MS and disease activity.

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. Stefurak will determine which tests, if any, are appropriate for your situation.

Thornhill Medical Centre
306-840 Coxwell Ave
Toronto, ON M4C 5T2

Phone: (416) 469-4949 | Fax: (416) 469-9898

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Stefurak 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. Stefurak 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/Stefurak-Taresa-Luba/0056590-68178