Dr. Whitney Alexandria Griffith – Neurologist | Lethbridge, AB

Dr. Whitney Alexandria Griffith is a Neurologist providing care for neurological conditions in both adult and pediatric patients. Practicing at a neurology clinic within a hospital department in Lethbridge, AB, she is an integral part of the local medical community. Dr. Griffith adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that her practice maintains excellence in patient safety and quality care. She provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. Her approach emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs and fostering a supportive environment for individuals and families navigating neurological health challenges.

She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Poland and holds specialty certification as a Neurologist. Her credentials include certifications such as LMCC (Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada), USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), DABPN (Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Neurology for both adult and pediatric populations), and FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada) in Neurology for both adult and pediatric patients. These qualifications reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of neurological expertise and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Griffith is committed to delivering patient-centered care through a holistic approach that considers the physical, emotional, and social aspects of neurological health. She believes in evidence-based practice and actively engages in ongoing patient education and support. Fluent in English, she provides clear communication and compassionate guidance to her patients in Lethbridge, aiming to empower individuals with knowledge about their neurological conditions and treatment options.

Dr. Whitney Griffith addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)

• 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.
• Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.

Neuromuscular Diseases

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-induced, Idiopathic): Damage to or disease affecting nerves, which may impair sensation, movement, gland or organ function, or other aspects of health.
• Muscular Dystrophies (e.g., Duchenne, Becker, Myotonic Dystrophy): A group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
• Myasthenia Gravis: A chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body.

Cognitive Disorders & Dementia

• Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior.
• 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.
• Vascular Dementia: Dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to stroke or a series of small strokes.

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

• 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.
• Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Located within a neurology department in Lethbridge's South Lethbridge West (University area) neighborhood, the clinic offers convenient access for patients. The facility is situated near the ENMAX Centre (Arena), providing easy access for those attending appointments. Public transit options are available through Lethbridge Transit, making the clinic accessible to patients without private transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility challenges. Parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring a hassle-free visit for patients and their families.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Griffith, a Neurologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Griffith, 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. Griffith's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

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

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Griffith 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. Griffith can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.

How are migraines typically managed by a Neurologist?

Migraine management is multifaceted. Dr. Griffith 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 does a Neurologist like Dr. Griffith 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. She is a Neurologist specializing in disorders of the nervous system. Dr. Griffith is trained to investigate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of neurological conditions.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Griffith?

Your first appointment with Dr. Griffith will likely be quite thorough. She will take a detailed medical history, including your current symptoms, past illnesses, family history of neurological conditions, and any medications you are taking. A comprehensive neurological examination will be performed, which assesses things like your mental status, cranial nerves (vision, hearing, facial movement), strength, coordination, reflexes, and sensation. Based on this, Dr. Griffith may discuss potential diagnoses, order further tests (like an MRI, EEG, or blood work), or suggest initial treatment options. Bring a list of your medications and any relevant medical records or imaging reports if you have them.

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

160 Columbia Blvd W, Campbell Clinic West
Lethbridge, AB T1K 4J4

Phone: (403) 381-7000 | Fax: (403) 381-8250

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Griffith 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. Griffith 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=ab95501c-fc70-46a6-b900-8236104b83a7&i=550