Dr. Virginia Anne Devonshire – Neurologist | North Vancouver, BC

Dr. Virginia Anne Devonshire is a dedicated Neurologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles in adult patients. Practicing at UBC Hospital in North Vancouver, BC, she is an integral part of the local medical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Devonshire provides comprehensive neurological care for a wide range of conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders, ensuring that each patient receives personalized and empathetic treatment. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating neurological conditions, emphasizing patient-centered care and ongoing support.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Calgary in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Neurologist. Dr. Devonshire's credentials include certifications from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development. Her training and experience enable her to deliver expert neurological assessments and management tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Guided by a philosophy of compassionate, evidence-based practice, Dr. Devonshire is dedicated to providing holistic neurological care. She emphasizes patient education, ongoing support, and multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize health outcomes. Fluent in English, she is committed to building trusting relationships with her patients in North Vancouver, ensuring they feel heard, informed, and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

Dr. Virginia Devonshire 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.
• 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.
• Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.

Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases

• Ischemic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed, leading to brain cell damage.
• Carotid Artery Stenosis (Symptomatic): Narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck, increasing stroke risk if it causes neurological symptoms.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) / Mini-Stroke: A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often a warning sign for a future stroke.

Neuromuscular Diseases

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) / Motor Neuron Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
• Muscular Dystrophies (e.g., Duchenne, Becker, Myotonic Dystrophy): A group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) - Performance & Interpretation: Recording and analysis of electrical activity in the brain, primarily used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, and other brain disorders.
• 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.
• 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. Devonshire 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant neurological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

UBC Hospital, located in the areas near central North Vancouver, BC, serves as a key medical facility with specialized units including neurology. The hospital is easily accessible via local public transit, with multiple bus routes serving the area. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, making visits as comfortable as possible. The hospital's neurology unit is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment resources, supporting Dr. Devonshire’s commitment to high-quality neurological care in a welcoming environment.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Devonshire, a Neurologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Devonshire, as well as many diagnostic tests (e.g., EEG, EMG, review of MRI/CT scans), are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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. Devonshire's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

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

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Devonshire 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 does a Neurologist like Dr. Devonshire 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. Devonshire is trained to investigate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of neurological conditions.

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

UBC Hospital
340 - 138 East 13th Street, CentreView
North Vancouver, BC V7L 0E5

Phone: (604) 986-9961 | Fax: (604) 986-8667

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Devonshire is a licensed Neurologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Devonshire for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/306466/Devonshire%2CVirginia