Dr. Thomas Joseph Zwimpfer – Neurosurgeon | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Thomas Joseph Zwimpfer is a dedicated Neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system in adult patients. Practicing at a neurosurgery department within a major hospital in Vancouver, BC, 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 approach emphasizes patient-centered, multidisciplinary care, utilizing the latest surgical techniques to optimize outcomes and promote recovery.

He graduated with an MD from the University of Toronto in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Neurosurgeon. He maintains certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and neurosurgical care.

Dr. Zwimpfer is committed to patient safety, precision in surgical intervention, and the integration of advanced technology within his practice. He believes in a compassionate, comprehensive approach to neurosurgical care, providing thorough preoperative assessment, meticulous surgical planning, and dedicated post-operative support. Fluent in English, he offers expert consultation and treatment in Vancouver, always prioritizing the well-being and informed participation of his patients.

Dr. Thomas Zwimpfer surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Spinal Column & Spinal Cord Disorders

• Spinal Fractures & Instability (Traumatic or Pathologic): Breaks in the vertebrae or spinal instability often requiring surgical stabilization.
• Spinal Cord Tumors (Intramedullary, Extramedullary): Abnormal growths within or surrounding the spinal cord that may require surgical removal.
• Spondylolisthesis: A spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it, sometimes requiring fusion.

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.

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.
• 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.
• Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH - select cases for evacuation): Bleeding within the brain tissue itself, where surgical evacuation may be considered for large or life-threatening hematomas.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurosurgical condition, please consult with Dr. Thomas Zwimpfer.

• Comprehensive Neurosurgical Consultation & Evaluation: In-depth assessment of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, including review of medical history, neurological examination, imaging review, and surgical planning.
• Spinal Cord Tumor Resection/Biopsy: Surgical removal or biopsy of tumors located within or around the spinal cord or spinal column.
• Chiari Malformation Decompression: Surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the cerebellum and brainstem caused by Chiari malformation.
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS): Utilizing specialized techniques and smaller incisions to treat spinal conditions, aiming for faster recovery and less tissue disruption.
• Carotid Endarterectomy / Carotid Artery Stenting Coordination: Surgical removal of plaque from the carotid artery or stenting (often by vascular surgeons/interventionalists) to prevent stroke, with neurosurgical consultation for specific cases.
• Syrinx (Syringomyelia) Decompression Surgery: Procedures to drain or shunt fluid-filled cavities (syrinxes) within the spinal cord.
• 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.

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

Dr. Zwimpfer practices at a neurosurgery clinic within a major hospital in Vancouver's Fairview neighbourhood. The facility is conveniently situated along a busy Commercial Corridor, easily accessible by public transit including TransLink's SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express - Waterfront. The location is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, making visits straightforward and comfortable for those coming from various parts of Vancouver and surrounding areas.

Are consultations and neurosurgical procedures with Dr. Zwimpfer, a Neurosurgeon, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Zwimpfer, 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. Zwimpfer. 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.

How is a brain tumor typically treated by a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Zwimpfer?

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. Zwimpfer 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.

When might someone need to see a Neurosurgeon?

A referral to a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Zwimpfer 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.

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. Zwimpfer will discuss the specific risks and potential benefits of your proposed surgery in detail, allowing you to make an informed decision.

What are some common procedures a Neurosurgeon performs?

Neurosurgeons perform a wide variety of intricate procedures. Common surgeries include craniotomies (opening the skull) for brain tumor removal, aneurysm clipping, or hematoma evacuation; spinal surgeries like laminectomies or discectomies for nerve decompression, and spinal fusions for instability; and placement of shunts for hydrocephalus. Dr. Zwimpfer would be able to discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition. Many neurosurgeons also have subspecialty interests, such as pediatric neurosurgery, spine surgery, or vascular neurosurgery.

What types of spine problems does a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Zwimpfer treat surgically?

Neurosurgeons like Dr. Zwimpfer 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.

8109-2775 Laurel St
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

Phone: (604) 875-5747 | Fax: (604) 269-3734

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Zwimpfer is a licensed Neurosurgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Zwimpfer for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/310580/Zwimpfer%2CThomas