Michel C. Tchan is a neurologist based at Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145. He works with people who have long-term brain, nerve, and movement problems. Neurology can feel confusing, especially when symptoms change over time, so the focus is often on getting a clear plan and supporting day-to-day care.
In many cases, Michel sees patients with movement disorders and ongoing issues with muscle control. This can include conditions like Parkinson’s disease, focal dystonia, stiff person syndrome, spasticity, and trouble with movement such as dysarthria and myoclonus. Some patients also come with balance and coordination problems, including different forms of cerebellar ataxia.
He also looks after people with rarer genetic and metabolic conditions that affect the nervous system. These can include Fabry disease, Niemann-Pick disease, Pompe disease, urea cycle disorders, and a range of inherited storage or enzyme problems. At times, these conditions can also affect other parts of the body, such as the liver, kidneys, heart, or blood, so care often needs to be thoughtful and well-coordinated.
Some referrals are for childhood conditions, including issues like alternating hemiplegia of childhood, early weakness or low muscle tone, and developmental concerns linked to nerve function. Other patients may be managing symptoms that started as infants, then continued or changed as they grew.
Because some diagnoses are rare and complex, the work is usually about careful assessment and making sense of symptoms. This might include understanding triggers, monitoring how things progress, and talking through treatment options that can help with comfort, function, and safety.
Michel works with multidisciplinary teams in the Westmead area when this is needed, especially when a condition involves both the nervous system and other organs. The goal is not just to name a condition, but to help families and carers understand what to expect and how to manage day-to-day life.
For people who are deciding on next steps, it can also help to discuss what testing has been done so far and what questions remain. If clinical trials are relevant, that can be reviewed as part of the care pathway where suitable options exist.
