Dr. Valerie ShaoMing Cheung – Neurologist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Valerie ShaoMing Cheung is a dedicated Neurologist practicing in Scarborough, ON, specializing in the diagnosis and management of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles in adult patients. She provides comprehensive neurological care at a reputable clinic within a hospital department in Scarborough, a vibrant community near central Scarborough. The practice is situated in a convenient location accessible via local public transit, with the facility being wheelchair accessible for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots offer additional convenience for visitors. The clinic serves as a vital resource in the local area, offering support and expert neurological care to those navigating complex neurological conditions.

Dr. Cheung graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. She has been practicing as a Neurologist since 2017, accumulating over 7 years of specialized experience in neurological diagnosis and treatment. 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 ethical care. Her certifications and ongoing professional development reflect her commitment to maintaining clinical excellence.

Committed to providing patient-centered care, Dr. Cheung adopts a holistic approach to neurological health, emphasizing evidence-based practices, ongoing patient education, and support. She believes in building strong, trusting relationships with her patients and their families, ensuring they are well-informed about their conditions and management options. Fluent in English and Cantonese, Dr. Cheung is dedicated to serving Scarborough’s diverse community with compassion and professionalism, offering personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Dr. Valerie Cheung addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)

• Memory Loss & Cognitive Changes: Difficulties with memory, concentration, language, or problem-solving that interfere with daily life.
• Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.
• Seizures or Episodes of Loss of Consciousness: Events involving abnormal electrical brain activity or unexplained blackouts requiring neurological assessment.

Movement Disorders

• Huntington's Disease & Other Choreas: Inherited or acquired conditions causing involuntary, irregular, and unpredictable muscle movements.
• Essential Tremor: A nervous system disorder (neurological disorder) that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking, most often in the hands.
• Parkinson's Disease: A progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, often including tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability.

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. Valerie Cheung.

• Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
• 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.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) - Performance & Interpretation: Recording and analysis of electrical activity in the brain, primarily used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, and other brain disorders.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Dr. Cheung practices within a well-equipped neurology clinic located in the areas near central Scarborough. The facility is situated close to local points of interest such as shopping centers and public transit hubs, making it convenient for patients from surrounding neighborhoods. The clinic is fully accessible, with wheelchair access and an inviting environment for all visitors. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby lots, providing flexibility for patients arriving by car. The location is easily reachable via local public transit routes, ensuring accessible neurological care for the Scarborough community and beyond.

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

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

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

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

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. Cheung if needed.

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. Cheung can provide a comprehensive overview of MS and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific type of MS and disease activity.

210-240 Alton Towers Cir
Scarborough, ON M1V 3Z3

Phone: (416) 901-3979 | Fax: (416) 309-8708

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Cheung 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. Cheung 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/Cheung-Valerie-ShaoMing/0309580-108624