If you’ve decided it’s time to see a neurologist, you’ll need to make another crucial decision: which specialist is the best for you? In order to successfully diagnose and treat your conditions, you have to rely on your practitioner’s skills and knowledge.
How do you find the best neurologist in Calgary who is right for you? Here are some crucial aspects to bear in mind.
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How much do neurological services cost in Calgary?
A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of brain, muscle, and peripheral nervous system disorders.
Since there are several treatments that encompass this field, we have narrowed down some of the most common services and provided the probable fees below:
Take note that some of the prices here are only for consultations or evaluations. This means that there would be more costs following this, depending on what your neurologist recommends. Another thing that you need to consider is which procedure and doctors are covered by your insurance.
The Best Neurologists in Calgary
Since it’s best to keep in mind that there are differences in prices when it comes to the procedures you can avail of, we can now discuss our criteria for this list.
All things considered, the following neurologists are meticulously chosen and evaluated with these criteria. The following are who we think are the best neurologists in Calgary. Let’s begin!
1. Dr. Fiona Costello – Foothills Medical Centre
| Criteria | Rating |
| Service Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Credentials and Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Success Rate | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Client Satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Bedside Manner | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Patient Aftercare | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Hospital Quality | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Staff Attitude | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Dr. Fiona Costello is a decorated neurologist who specializes in neuro-ophthalmology and multiple sclerosis. Because of her marvelous research on both of her specializations, she has been named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2008 and one of Canada’s Top 25 Women of Influence in 2012.
Her brilliance in academic study is also translated to her work with her patients. What we like about her is that aside from her knowledge, she is also very compassionate towards her patients.
Dr. Costello’s skill sets allow her to focus on using the eye as a model for brain disorders. So we think that if you have any concerns regarding vision, she’s the perfect choice for you.
She’s also passionate about multiple sclerosis and has a great track record with regard to handling patients suffering from MS. Dr. Costello is also known to be gentle and empathetic, as well as having a great bedside manner.
Though based on some of the patients we talked to, they had a little difficulty booking follow-up appointments with her. So we think that’s also one thing you should note if you should seek out her services.
You can find her clinic at Foothills Medical Centre. Some of their former patients noted that while they do have great staff, the facility is noticeably lacking manpower.
What this could mean is that there might be longer wait times. And there is a likely chance that you will only get one attendant at a time should you choose to avail of their services.
Pros
- Specializes in MS and neuro-ophthalmology
- Former Director of the Office of Surgical Research
- Has published nearly 125 peer reviewed papers
Cons
- Might be difficult to get an appointment with her
- Facility lacks staff
Customer Reviews:
Dr. Costello is one of the most understanding human beings I have ever encountered.
“Dr. Costello is one of the most understanding human beings I have ever encountered. I have been beyond pleased with the level of care, compassion, and support she provided me with during the first visit. Being asked “What is on your agenda? What truly worries you?’ and taking 45 minutes to answer those questions in the most professional manner, is an experience one does not encounter that often. Dr. Fiona, thank you for being such a kind, detail-oriented and caring doctor. You are a true blessing!”
She shows understanding, empathy, and hope.
“We ended up in the hands of Dr. Costello after brain surgery. Having the risk of losing eyesight Dr. Costello took my driver’s license away in a gentle way as possible. She shows understanding, empathy, and hope. After my third eye exam my Eyes improved enough for me to qualify again to drive, She had empathy for me and was so happy for me. You never feel rushed she listens, she cares, and if something comes up which she is not qualified for she refers you. Couldn’t ask for a more knowledgeable and kind Dr.”
2. Dr. Dawn Mildred Pearson – Rockyview General Hospital
| Criteria | Rating |
| Service Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Credentials and Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Success Rate | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Client Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Bedside Manner | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Patient Aftercare | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Hospital Quality | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Staff Attitude | ★★★☆☆ (4/5) |
Dr. Dawn Mildred Pearson is a talented neurologist with 29 years of experience under her belt. She specializes in handling patients with cognitive impairments that interfere with daily activities.
She first rendered her service in the United States. But since returning to Calgary, her former patients have raved about her services. Not only is Dr. Mildred Pearson well-informed and experienced, but she is also a caring and conscientious neurologist.
Apart from generalized neurology, her main focuses is on neurorehabilitation. This means that she also specializes in helping with short term memory impairment and difficulty with language.
In addition to this, she also assists in unusual behaviors that can be seen with patients of dementia, stroke, and those who suffered a traumatic brain injury or chronic disease.So if you’re looking for a doctor who will help you recover from any nervous system injury, she’s a great choice.
Dr. Mildred Pearson is known to spend a great amount of time with her patients, so you don’t feel rushed. But that would also mean that you may have a longer time in the waiting area.
But rest assured, if you’re willing to wait for her a little, you can also have the same stellar treatment Dr. Mildred Pearson gives to all of her patients.
You can find her at Rockyview General Hospital, a facility that has a great and accommodating staff. The hospital also has great amenities, such as being able to pay for your parking through an app on your phone.
Pros
- Specializes in neurorehabilitation
- Attentive and patient during consultations
- Great bedside manner and aftercare
Cons
- Long wait times
- The facility lacks staff
- Some patients reported that the general facilities are unsanitary
Customer Reviews:
Meeting Dr. Pearson was a dream come true.
“I’ve been seeing Dr. Pearson for a few years now for my seizures. The previous neurologist I was referred to was very okay but was kind of robotic. Every 6-12 months she would just spend 10 minutes w/me, send me for more EEGs, and up my drug dose which just made me sleep more and feel more dopey all the time. Meeting Dr. Pearson was a dream come true. SHE ACTUALLY SPENDS TIME WITH ME!!! She slowly changed medications and put me on what I call a cocktail of 3 meds, slowly increased the doses of 2 them over time and I haven’t had a tonic-clonic seizure for over 3 years! My brain is also a little more clear on her cocktail than on the single high-dose med I was previously on. Sooooooo wish I met her when I was younger.”
Dr. Pearson believed in me immediately.
“Dr. Pearson believed in me immediately. As a 17-year-old without of control nerve pain and gradually decreasing function in my limb, and as a career athlete, she stepped back looked at the whole picture, and promised me she’d help. She fought for me constantly, made me feel so hopeful and I fully believe gave me back the chance to live the life I now get to. We shared a mutual love of horses, so she was the first doctor I had seen who used that as a motivation to get me fixed. She fought for me to have my spine reconstructed so I could get back on track with the horses and this career. I owe her everything. The world would be so bright if it were full of Dr. Pearson’s.”
3. Dr. Sameer Chibber – South Health Campus and Alberta Neurologic Center
| Criteria | Rating |
| Service Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Credentials and Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Success Rate | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Client Satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Bedside Manner | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Patient Aftercare | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Hospital Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Staff Attitude | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Dr. Sameer Chibber is a fantastic neurologist who has a clinical interest in general neurology, headache medicine, and neuromuscular medicine. He is one of the co-founders of the Alberta Neurologic Centre.
He is an all-around doctor that would give you a great initial diagnosis, and probable treatment plans. With his almost a decade-long experience and a wide skillset, we think he’s a good option if you don’t exactly know your immediate treatment plan.
What we love about Dr. Chibber is his kindness and sense of humor that he injects as part of the care he has for his patients. Beyond his repertoire, he is known to be compassionate and gentle when it comes to his patients.
Dr. Chibber is the current Medical Director and EMG Director of the center, but is also part of the ALS Clinic in the South Health Campus. As such, it might be difficult to set an appointment with him and if you do, you may find that your face-to-face time may be shorter than expected.
You can find him both in the South Health Campus and the Alberta Neurologic Centre. Former patients generally have good things to say about the facilities, saying that it’s clean with great staff onboard.
Pros
- Services available in private and public practice
- Specializes in headache medicine
- Clinic is clean, great parking
- Staff is courteous and accommodating
Cons
- May be difficult to get a schedule
- Appointments might be shorter than expected
Customer Reviews:
What more could a patient ask for?
“Dr. Chhibber is the seventh neurologist I’ve seen over the past seven years. He was the first to diagnose me and prescribe proper treatment, all of which has ultimately given me my life back. In a nutshell he listened, investigated and diagnosed, what more could a patient ask for? Dr. Chhibber truly is the best and I am so thankful that he is my neuromuscular specialist. His nurse Liz is fantastic too.?
Dr. Chibber’s quick and correct prognosis resulted in an almost complete recovery.
“I began to have health issues about 18 months before I got a referral to see Dr Chhibber. The early symptoms were similar to what many older males get as they age, but I was a healthy athletic 60 year old prior to this. However things continued to deteriorate, and when I began to lose feeling in my leg and pelvis I was referred to Dr Chibber. After an EMG and a very thorough physical exam he quickly prognosed that something was compressing my spine, which in his words “needed to be fixed quickly before the damage became permanent”. His diagnosis was confirmed by a followup MRI which indicated I had a tumour on my upper spinal cord. I had emergency surgery within 3 weeks. Dr Chhibber’s quick and correct prognosis resulted in an almost complete recovery, with most of the health issues that I was experiencing healed. I am very appreciative of Dr Chhibber’s professional abilities.”
4. Dr. Marcus Koch – Foothills Medical Center
| Criteria | Rating |
| Service Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Credentials and Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Success Rate | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Client Satisfaction | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Bedside Manner | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Patient Aftercare | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Hospital Quality | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Staff Attitude | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Dr. Marcus Koch is a well-known neurosurgeon who has a plethora of specializations. He is most known to be one of the brilliant practitioners at the Foothills Medical Centre’s Multiple Sclerosis clinic.
Stroke, chronic pain, autism, and neuromuscular illnesses are among his specialties. What we like about him is how vast his skillset is, so if you want a straightforward treatment plan, Dr. Koch is the specialist for you.
He is known to use cutting-edge technology to get the best results for his patients. Dr. Koch is also known for his research on how generic drugs can be used to prevent the progress of MS.
As previously stated, he can be found practicing at Foothills Medical Centre. Since it’s a public hospital, you may not get the same focused treatment that you might expect in a private facility.
Pros
- Specializes in multiple disciplines
- Cutting-edge technology to yield better quality results.
- Can speak in English and in Deutsch
Cons
- Foothills Medical Center can have long wait times
Customer Reviews:
He is calm and patient and always listens to me.
“I have been a patient of Dr. Koch for the past 5 years and have ALWAYS had wonderful check ups. I have multiple health issues and Dr. Koch has always been kept abreast of my issues. He discusses each issue with me as it pertains to my MS and overall well being. Dr. Koch spends lots of time with me answering my questions and making sure I feel confidant in the “plan”. He is calm and patient and always listens to me. I am very pleased and blessed to have Dr. Koch as part of my health team.”
He listens carefully to my concerns and preferences.
“Dr. Koch has been my neurologist for the past few years and is always attentive, courteous and knowledgeable. He listens carefully to my concerns and preferences. He discusses my current condition and symptoms honestly with me, offering advice and a variety of treatment options. He has always been supportive and helpful in obtaining any treatment that I have decided to pursue (or decline). Nurses, physiotherapists and support staff at the Foothills MS Clinic have all been professional, helpful and caring.”
5. Dr. Scott Jarvis – Alberta Neurologic Center
| Criteria | Rating |
| Service Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Credentials and Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Success Rate | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Client Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Bedside Manner | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Patient Aftercare | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Hospital Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Staff Attitude | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Dr. Scott Jarvis is a notable neurologist in Calgary and the co-founder of the Alberta Neurologic Center. Dr. Jarvis’ specializes in Multiple Sclerosis and headache treatment.
There are a couple things that we love about him: for starters, his vast skill set that allows him to make accurate judgments on the diagnosis and treatment plans that he would potentially dole out.
And second, that he’s committed to developing new technology in the field of neurological illnesses. Dr. Jarvis is keen on revolutionizing the technology of neurological care for the betterment of his patients
We also love that not only is he well-versed in his specialization, he has a reputation of being kind, compassionate, and a guy who has a great sense of humor (check out his marinade recipe on his bio!).
Dr. Jarvis would make you feel like he really cares about your condition, and that he’s capable enough to do something about it too.
His specializations are geared towards older adults, which is not common in this area of expertise. However, regardless of your age, Dr. Jarvis is a good choice, especially if you’re looking for someone who could provide an accurate diagnosis on your first few visits.
You can find him at the Alberta Neurologic Center, a clinic specializing in neurology. They have great amenities, spacious parking space, and accommodating staff.
Pros
- A variety of specializations
- Specializes in conditions for older adults
- Great staff
- Hospital offers great customer service
Cons
- Difficult to get an appointment
- Services only available in private practice
Customer Reviews:
Dr. Scott Jarvis is one of the reasons I am still alive
“I have a complex inner ear condition that maybe related to migraines. Dr Scott Jarvis is one of the reasons I am still alive and writing you this review. When you’re going through 5 years of h3ll with more doctors and tests (MRIs, CT scans, blood tests, you name it) than you can count, sometimes you get lucky and get a doctor like Scott. When everyone else has failed me, Dr Jarvis listens and helps me still want to live another day. If you’re seeing a neurologist in the first place, you probably have some major health issues going on. Scott is the one doctor you definitely want to be on your side in situations like this.”
Dr. Jarvis has been a crucial part of helping me get better.
“Dr. Jarvis has been a crucial part of helping me get better. Him and his team have helped diagnosis and treat a very rare illness of mine, and it has changed everything. He is extremely genuine and caring and most times very funny. He is one of the best medical professionals I have ever came across.”
Frequently Asked Questions
And that’s a wrap! Apart from knowing each’s specialization, it is important to know how each patient is treated by this doctor. Now that you are familiar with the 5 best neurologists in Calgary, all that is left is to book that appointment!
Are you looking for a different specialist? Let us recommend a few of our top picks:
