About
Dr. Vikram Karnik is a Neurologist providing care for neurological conditions in both adult and pediatric patients. Practicing at a dedicated neurology clinic within a hospital department in Calgary, AB, he is an integral part of the local medical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring quality and safety in patient care. Dr. Karnik offers comprehensive neurological assessments and treatments, addressing a wide spectrum of conditions such as headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. His approach emphasizes personalized care, aiming to improve neurological health and quality of life for all patients.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Neurologist. His credentials include certification by the Licentiate of Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC) in Neurology for both adult and pediatric populations. These qualifications reflect his extensive training and commitment to excellence in neurological medicine.
Dr. Karnik's clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, employing a holistic and evidence-based approach to neurological health. He is dedicated to ongoing patient education, ensuring individuals understand their conditions and treatment options. Fluent in English, he provides compassionate support and expert guidance to patients and their families in Calgary, fostering a collaborative environment focused on optimal neurological outcomes.
Dr. Vikram Karnik addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:
Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)
- 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.
- 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.
Cognitive Disorders & Dementia
- Vascular Dementia: Dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to stroke or a series of small strokes.
- Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): A group of disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality, behavior, and language.
- Lewy Body Dementia: A type of progressive dementia that leads to a decline in thinking, reasoning and independent function, often with visual hallucinations and parkinsonian features.
Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders
- Refractory (Drug-Resistant) Epilepsy: Epilepsy that does not respond adequately to treatment with two or more appropriately chosen anti-seizure medications.
- Status Epilepticus: A medical emergency where a seizure lasts too long or when seizures occur close together without recovery in between.
- Focal (Partial) Epilepsy (with or without secondary generalization): Seizures originating in one area of the brain, which may or may not spread to become generalized.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Vikram Karnik.
- 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.
- Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
- Interpretation of Neurological Imaging (MRI, CT scans): Expert review and interpretation of brain and spinal cord imaging to aid in the diagnosis of neurological conditions.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
- Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Karnik 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant neurological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Karnik's practice is situated within a modern neurology clinic in the SE: Mahogany, Auburn Bay neighborhood of Calgary. The facility is conveniently accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services, making it easy for patients to reach. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusive access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. The location is close to notable landmarks such as the Scotiabank Saddledome, making it a familiar and easily identifiable destination for patients seeking neurological care in Calgary.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Karnik, a Neurologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Karnik, as well as many diagnostic tests (e.g., EEG, EMG, review of MRI/CT scans), 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. 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. Karnik's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Karnik, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Karnik 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 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. Karnik can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.
- 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. Karnik 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.
- How are migraines typically managed by a Neurologist?
- Migraine management is multifaceted. Dr. Karnik will work with you to identify triggers, discuss lifestyle modifications (diet, sleep, stress management), and recommend acute treatments to stop a migraine when it occurs (e.g., triptans, CGRP antagonists). For frequent or severe migraines, preventive treatments may be prescribed, which can include oral medications, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, or newer CGRP monoclonal antibodies. A personalized treatment plan is key.
- 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. Karnik can provide a comprehensive overview of MS and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific type of MS and disease activity.
- What does a Neurologist like Dr. Karnik specialize in?
- A Neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders affecting the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord), and muscles. Dr. Karnik specializes in disorders of the nervous system, investigating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of neurological conditions with a focus on evidence-based, patient-centered care.
4448 Front St SE
Calgary, AB T3M 1M4
Phone: (403) 956-3550
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Karnik is a licensed Neurologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Karnik 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=4e33830c-db83-4ec4-8b77-db910007ce02&i=725