THE 5 BEST NEUROLOGISTS IN TORONTO
Patients are typically the ones who "pick brains" when seeking expert advice, but with neurologists, this dynamic works differently.
These specialized medical professionals focus on diagnosing and treating a wide range of disorders that affect the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They address various neurological conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, migraines, and concussions that affect individuals across all age groups, from children to the elderly.
If you or a loved one are dealing with neurological disorders, these brainiacs can provide expert solutions.
How We Chose the Best Neurologists in Toronto
How Much Do Neurologists Cost in Toronto?
If you’re a Canadian Citizen or a permanent resident, there’s no fee for visiting a neurologist as long as you provide your provincially-registered health card.Consult with your healthcare provider or insurance company for a clearer understanding of potential costs and coverage options.
1. Dr. Eduard Bercovici
Dr. Eduard Bercovici is a compassionate neurologist who brings exceptional care to his patients at the Southern Ontario Epilepsy Clinic (SOEC) in Etobicoke, which he founded in 2017.
As the sole practitioner at the clinic, his focus is on treating epilepsy. He developed this practice niche during his Master’s thesis at the University of Toronto, followed by extensive post-graduate training at the Toronto Western Hospital and SickKids Hospital.
Before establishing SOEC, Dr. Bercovici set up the Epilepsy Diet Clinic for adults at the UHN where he’s still available every first Wednesday of the month. His primary approach involves using a modified Atkins diet, which is a less restrictive ketogenic diet, for both adults and children with epilepsy and seizure disorders.
Additionally, he provides treatment for subspecialties such as Parkinson’s, dementia, brain tumors, and migraines, with a special emphasis on EEGs for diagnostic testing.
Pros
- Kind and highly-attentive to patients
- Reliable follow-up care through TELEmedicine
- Provides in-house Electroencephalograms (EEG) tests
- Board member of Matthews’ Friends (charity for medical keto therapies)
- Active in ongoing research
Cons
- Months of waiting time due to high demand
- Some reports of rude secretary
Patient Reviews
He is approachable, empathetic, sincere, and incredibly competent
“Dr. Bercovici has been treating my daughter for the past 3 years. It has been a positive experience beyond my expectations. He is approachable, empathetic, sincere, and incredibly competent… This level of care is almost unheard of. Most importantly, my daughter’s seizures are under control and she is able to lead a great life thanks to Dr. Bercovici’s expertise in this field.” – Ida Vitelli, Google Reviews
My son has made amazing gains in his health and well-being
“I am blessed to have you and your team as my son’s doctors. In the past several years my son has made amazing gains in his health and well-being with the Heatly Ketogenetic Therapy… Today his quality of life has greatly improved thanks to you, Dr. Bercovici. My son has had the best year with his health and well-being on the Healthy Ketogenetic Therapy.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
2. Dr. David Gladstone
Dr. David Gladstone is a highly committed stroke neurologist and clinician-scientist based at Sunnybrook Hospital. He holds esteemed positions as the director of the Stroke Prevention Clinic and Rapid Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Clinic. He is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Toronto, where he also completed his bachelor’s, master’s, fellowship, and PhD from 1992 to 2006.
At the core of his practice is the improvement of outcomes for stroke and TIA patients through active participation in research and multicenter clinical trials as the principal investigator. Patients consistently praise him for his thorough, attentive, and friendly approach, which contributes to successful results.
Impressively, Dr. Gladstone has authored over 100 national and international scientific publications, providing comprehensive coverage of stroke from prevention to recovery to which he has received accolades from the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation.
Pros
- Spends time with patients
- Multi-awarded for his research
- Premier regional stroke center
- Holistic approach to treating stroke patients
- Provides genuine and goal-oriented care
Cons
- Limited scope of subspecialties
Patient Reviews
I never feel rushed and my questions & concerns have always been answered
“Dr. Gladstone has been very prompt in answering my emails and/or telephone calls I never feel rushed and my questions & concerns have always been answered on a timely basis and in a manner that I have always been able to fully understand. I feel blessed that I was treated & have follow-ups with Dr. Gladstone.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Genuinely interested in you as a person
“Dr Gladstone is a very knowledgeable, caring neurologist. He never seems to be rushed, takes the time to understand your concerns and is genuinely interested in you as a person. I have been lucky enough to be a patient of Dr. Gladstone for approximately ten years. He has been a key reason why I have been able to lead a reasonably normal life after being diagnosed with atrial vib and suffering two brain bleeds and a minor stroke.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
3. Dr. Esther Bui
Dr. Esther Bui holds the distinction of founding the first accredited Women’s Neurology Fellowship at the University of Toronto, where she also completed her degree and post-graduate training. Since 2012, she has dedicated her practice to specializing in women’s neurological health, with a particular focus on epilepsy.
Driven to improve the lives of women with epilepsy, she provides holistic care that encompasses various aspects of their health, including fertility, pregnancy, postpartum care, and addressing seizures related to the menstrual cycle. She also extends her expertise to patients outside of her niche, such as men who suffered strokes.
Dr. Bui practices at the Krembil Brain Institute and Toronto General Hospital under the UHN, serving as a neurologist and epileptologist. She is also a highly-regarded clinician educator and assistant professor at the University of Toronto. She serves as an executive member of the Canadian League Against Epilepsy (CLAE).
Pros
- Optimizes time with patients
- Personable and compassionate
- Detailed and digestible consultations
- Provides supportive aftercare, including fertility guidance
- Accommodating clinic staff
Cons
- Minor delays with appointments
- Hard to book due to long waitlist
Patient Reviews
I learned more about my epilepsy in this one visit than in the past 15 years
“She seemed serious at first but I could see that she genuinely cared. If you can believe it, I learned more about my epilepsy in this one visit than in the past 15 years. I love my previous neurologist, but I guess some people just aren’t interested in hormones and epilepsy. I feel lucky that I got into Dr. Bui’s practice and finally feel that I found someone who “gets it”.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Very thoughtful in her treatment and takes your preferences into consideration
“You will never find a better neurologist than Dr. Bui! She is so knowledgeable and caring. She is very thoughtful in her treatment and takes your preferences into consideration. With her help, I was able to have a healthy, perfect baby boy without having any seizures. I would recommend her to any other women with epilepsy looking to start their families – we are so lucky to have her!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
4. Dr. Evan Cole Lewis
Dr. Evan Cole Lewis has a unique specialization in pediatric neurology and the use of medical cannabis to treat epilepsy and other neurological conditions in both adults and children. He earned his medical degree at the University of Ottawa and completed his fellowship at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and SickKids Hospital. Driven by his passion for exploring cannabis treatment, he actively participated in multiple clinical trials, conducting research in various locations including the UK and Jamaica.
In 2016, Dr. Lewis founded the Neurology Centre of Toronto (NCT), a team of adult and pediatric neurologists dedicated to providing comprehensive care for epilepsy, concussions, tics and Tourette, and migraines/headaches. The NCT is at the forefront of virtual medicine, utilizing teleneurology—an advanced online consultation tool—to enhance accessibility and reduce healthcare costs for patients in Ontario.
Pros
- Reliable teleneurology consultations
- Personable and receptive to patients
- Treats both adults and children
- Fully OHIP insured, no extra charges
Cons
- Long wait times at the clinic
- More reliable with online consultations for some
- Some reports of unorganized and rude staff
Patient Reviews
He is kind, gentle, down to earth, and ever so knowledgeable!
“I feel my twins and I are blessed to have this Specialist par Excellence take them under his wing! He is kind, gentle, down to earth, and ever so knowledgeable! It took Dr. Lewis just a few minutes to put a finger on each of my sons’ conditions and to lay out next steps going forward. My twins are almost 21 and trust me, I have been to several doctors in my day. I must say, Dr. Lewis is One in a Million.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
He actually listens to my concerns and is incredibly receptive to my ideas.
“The more doctors I meet, the more I love Dr. Lewis! I have no fear of sharing my thoughts and emotions and know all my questions will be answered. He actually listens to my concerns and is incredibly receptive to my ideas. He is committed to making me seizure free and takes the side effects I experience seriously. I’m so lucky!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
5. Dr. Gerald Tullio
Dr. Gerald Tullio specializes in the treatment of chronic headaches and genetic neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Toronto. Currently, he holds three hospital privileges at the William Osler Health Centre, specifically at the Brampton Civic, Etobicoke General Hospital, and the Peel Memorial Centre.
Dr. Tullio is known by his patients for his accurate diagnoses, thanks to his attentive approach and expertise in conducting complex diagnostic exams such as EEGs, electromyography (EMG), and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Additionally, he provides treatment for less common conditions related to the neuromuscular and nervous systems, such as neurosarcoidosis, as well as more prevalent conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Pros
- Persistent with finding solutions
- Specializes in inherited neurological disorders
- Provides proper diagnosis
- Treats a wide scope of neurological disorders
- Certified for EEG, EMG, and NCS testing
Cons
- High volume of referrals
- Long waiting times for appointments
Patient Reviews
A true example of a caring doctor
“So incredibly grateful. Dr. Tullio took the time with my 87-year-old mother. Professional, punctual, caring, and knowledgeable. A true example of a caring doctor. Anyone who was the opportunity to be seen by him and his staff is very fortunate.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Very professional and goes above and beyond to build rapport with his clients
“Dr. Tullio carefully reviewed my past and recent MRI results and also performed some neurological tests, he explained everything in detail and took his time to listen to any of my concerns. Dr. Tullio is the type of Dr. who actually cares about his patients. He is very professional and goes above and beyond to build rapport with his clients. ” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews