Dr Tan Chai Beng is a neurologist practising at Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore. His clinical interests span general neurology, including epilepsy and seizures, fainting, migraines, movement disorders, neuromuscular disorders and stroke.
He holds the MBBS (Singapore) and Master of Medicine (Singapore), and was awarded an HMDP Fellowship by the Ministry of Health to train at the Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital.
He has held a number of professional leadership roles, including former chairman of the National Committee on Neurosciences and former president of the Clinical Neuroscience Society.
Clinical focus
General neurology.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (Singapore), M Med (Singapore); HMDP Fellowship, Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Neurology and Neurophysiology Clinic — Tanglin / Gleneagles
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Gleneagles Hospital
Getting to the clinic
Dr Tan Chai Beng’s Neurology and Neurophysiology Clinic is based at Gleneagles Hospital on Napier Road, near the Tanglin area. The nearest station is Napier MRT (TE12) on the Thomson–East Coast Line, with Orchard Boulevard MRT (TE13) also within reach; from these stations the hospital is a short ride or walk away. Because the Napier Road frontage can be busy, a taxi or private-hire car is often the most convenient way to arrive, and there are bus services along the surrounding roads.
Gleneagles Hospital has a paid visitor carpark for those driving. The area near Orchard and Tanglin can be congested on weekday mornings, so allow extra time. Confirm the clinic suite and level with the hospital or clinic when you book, as the medical centre houses many specialists.
What general neurology covers
Dr Tan’s focus is general neurology, the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. His listed interests include epilepsy and seizures, fainting, migraines, movement disorders such as tremor and Parkinson’s disease, neuromuscular disorders affecting the nerves and muscles, and stroke. His training in clinical neurophysiology supports the use of tests that measure the electrical activity of the brain, nerves and muscles.
General neurology covers a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, blackouts, weakness, numbness, tremor and memory concerns. Many of these need careful assessment to distinguish between conditions that share similar symptoms, which is why history-taking and targeted investigations are central to neurological care.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit usually begins with a detailed history of your symptoms, including how and when they started, what triggers them, and any pattern over time. The doctor reviews your medications, medical history and family history. A neurological examination follows, assessing areas such as strength, sensation, coordination, balance, reflexes and, where relevant, eye movements and walking.
Investigations may include brain or spine imaging such as MRI or CT, an EEG to study brain electrical activity in suspected seizures, or nerve and muscle studies (nerve conduction tests and EMG) for neuromuscular problems. The findings are then explained and a management plan discussed, which may involve medication, further tests or monitoring.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous records, brain or nerve scans and any earlier neurology reports.
- A current list of medications and supplements, with doses.
- A symptom diary, noting the timing, triggers and pattern of episodes such as seizures, headaches or dizziness.
- If possible, an account from someone who has witnessed any blackouts or seizures.
For suspected seizures or fainting, a witness description is especially useful, as you may not recall the event yourself.
After your consultation and follow-up
After your consultation you will receive an explanation of your results and an agreed plan. The clinic will advise how scan and test results are shared and whether a review is needed. Many neurological conditions are managed over time, so follow-up helps adjust medication, monitor symptoms and check how treatment is working.
You may be referred for further imaging, neurophysiology tests, or assessment by another specialist. Continuity of care helps keep treatment consistent and avoids duplicate tests. A second opinion can be sought at any time. Seek urgent care for sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty or severe sudden headache, which may indicate a stroke, or for a prolonged seizure.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private specialist, Dr Tan can generally be seen without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic letter aids continuity and may help with subsidies if you are later directed to a public clinic. MediSave, MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan may apply to eligible procedures and investigations within set limits, while consultations are usually out of pocket. Confirm current fees and what is claimable directly with the clinic.
Common questions
What happens during an EEG or nerve test?
An EEG records the brain’s electrical activity, while nerve and muscle tests measure how nerves and muscles work; both are used to help diagnose certain conditions.
Should I bring someone who saw my seizure or blackout?
Yes, if possible. A witness account is very helpful because you may not remember the event.
Are all headaches a sign of something serious?
Most are not, but a neurologist can assess warning features and arrange tests if needed.
Do I need a brain scan?
Not always. Imaging is arranged when the history and examination suggest it would help with diagnosis.
Understanding neurophysiology tests
Dr Tan’s training in clinical neurophysiology underpins several tests that may be arranged in general neurology. An electroencephalogram, or EEG, records the brain’s electrical activity through small sensors placed on the scalp; it is painless and is often used when seizures or certain blackouts are suspected. Nerve conduction studies measure how quickly and strongly signals travel along nerves, using brief electrical pulses, while electromyography, or EMG, assesses the electrical activity within muscles using a fine needle. These studies can help distinguish a nerve problem from a muscle problem and pinpoint where in the nervous system an issue lies. Knowing roughly what to expect can ease any anxiety: most tests are done as an outpatient, take from several minutes to around an hour depending on the type, and you can usually return to normal activities afterwards.
More questions about neurology visits
How should I describe my symptoms?
Try to note when episodes happen, how long they last, what you were doing beforehand, and whether anything makes them better or worse. Patterns over days or weeks are often more useful than a single description.
Can stress and sleep affect neurological symptoms?
Yes. Poor sleep, stress and missed meals can trigger or worsen problems such as migraines and some seizures, so lifestyle factors are often discussed as part of management.
Will I need to stop driving?
Some conditions, such as certain seizures or fainting, carry advice about driving. Your doctor will explain any guidance that applies to your situation.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of neurologists in Singapore and our shortlist of neurology clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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