About
Dr. Tejas Sankar is a dedicated Neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system in adult patients. Practicing within a neurosurgery department at a major hospital in Edmonton, AB, he is an integral part of the local surgical and medical community. 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 practice is committed to utilizing advanced surgical techniques and fostering a supportive environment for patients undergoing neurosurgical treatment, ensuring that each patient receives personalized and compassionate care.
He graduated with an MD CM from McGill University in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Neurosurgeon. Dr. Sankar has completed extensive post-graduate training and possesses the necessary certifications to practice neurosurgery (Surgical Care of the Brain, Spine, and Nerves) in Alberta. His credentials reflect a deep commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and patient safety.
Dr. Sankar’s clinical philosophy centers on patient safety, precision surgery, and the utilization of advanced technology. He emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive post-operative care to optimize outcomes. Fluent in English and French, Dr. Sankar is dedicated to providing accessible, empathetic, and expert neurosurgical care to the Edmonton community and beyond.
Dr. Tejas Sankar surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:
Functional Neurosurgery & Neuropathic Pain Conditions
- Spasticity (severe, for Baclofen pump or selective dorsal rhizotomy consideration): Severe muscle stiffness and spasms, potentially managed with implantable drug delivery systems or nerve root surgery.
- Chronic Neuropathic Pain (select cases for neurostimulation): Persistent pain due to nerve damage, where spinal cord stimulation or other neuromodulation techniques might be considered.
- Medically Refractory Epilepsy (for surgical evaluation): Epilepsy that continues despite trials of multiple anti-seizure medications, prompting consideration for surgical interventions.
Cerebrovascular Disorders (Requiring Surgical Intervention)
- Cerebral Aneurysms (Unruptured & Ruptured): A bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain, which can leak or rupture, causing a hemorrhagic stroke.
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): Bleeding into the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane, often caused by a ruptured aneurysm.
- 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.
Peripheral Nerve Disorders (Surgical Management)
- 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.
- Peripheral Nerve Tumors (e.g., Schwannomas, Neurofibromas): Benign or malignant tumors arising from peripheral nerves that may require surgical excision.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurosurgical condition, please consult with Dr. Tejas Sankar.
- Pre-Surgical Planning & Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation to determine surgical candidacy, optimize patient condition before surgery, and discuss potential risks and benefits.
- Skull Base Surgery (Anterior, Middle, Posterior Fossa): Complex surgical procedures to treat tumors and other lesions located at the base of the skull, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach.
- Syrinx (Syringomyelia) Decompression Surgery: Procedures to drain or shunt fluid-filled cavities (syrinxes) within the spinal cord.
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) & Dural Fistula Treatment (Surgical Resection, Embolization, Radiosurgery Coordination): Multimodal approaches to treat abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the brain or spinal cord.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Neurosurgical Conditions: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed surgical or non-surgical treatment plans.
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS): Utilizing specialized techniques and smaller incisions to treat spinal conditions, aiming for faster recovery and less tissue disruption.
- Peripheral Nerve Tumor Resection (e.g., Schwannomas, Neurofibromas): Surgical removal of tumors arising from peripheral nerves.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Neurosurgical treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Sankar 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant neurosurgical care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Sankar practices at a neurosurgery clinic within a hospital department located in Edmonton's S Central neighbourhood, near the Living History Museum. The facility is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The location is wheelchair accessible, with metered street parking and nearby parking lots available for visitors. The practice's setting offers convenient access for patients from across Edmonton and surrounding areas, supporting timely and effective neurosurgical care.
- Are consultations and neurosurgical procedures with Dr. Sankar, a Neurosurgeon, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Sankar, as well as most diagnostic imaging reviews and provincially insured neurosurgical procedures (e.g., for tumors, spine conditions, aneurysms), are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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. Sankar's office, the hospital's financial services, or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) prior to any major procedure.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sankar, 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. Sankar. 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. Sankar 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. Sankar performs a range of surgical procedures to address these conditions.
- Does Dr. Sankar perform minimally invasive neurosurgery?
- Many neurosurgeons, including potentially Dr. Sankar, 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. Sankar if minimally invasive options are suitable for your specific neurosurgical needs.
- What types of spine problems does a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Sankar treat surgically?
- Neurosurgeons like Dr. Sankar who specialize in spine surgery treat a variety of conditions affecting the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (low-back) spine. These can include herniated discs causing nerve compression, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra), spinal fractures due to trauma, spinal tumors, and spinal deformities. Surgical procedures aim to decompress nerves, stabilize the spine, or remove tumors.
- How is a brain tumor typically treated by a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Sankar?
- The treatment for a brain tumor depends on its type, size, location, and the patient's overall health. For many tumors, surgical resection (removal) by a neurosurgeon like Dr. Sankar is a primary treatment, aiming to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible. Surgery may also be done to obtain a biopsy for diagnosis. Often, surgery is part of a multidisciplinary approach that may also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies, coordinated with oncologists and radiation oncologists.
8440 112 St NW, 2D Department of Surgery
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7
Phone: (780) 407-6869 | Fax: (780) 407-8203
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Sankar is a licensed Neurosurgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Sankar for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=990c2c0f-a0b8-4468-aded-015f1a834ffa&i=1277