Dr. Abdallah Hadj Tahar – Neurologist | Gatineau, QC

Dr. Abdallah Hadj Tahar 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 Clinique Neuro Outaouais in Gatineau, QC, he is an integral part of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in patient care.

He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 14 years of experience as a Neurologist since 2010. Dr. Hadj Tahar has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Neurology (Disorders of the Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves, and Muscles) in Quebec. His expertise encompasses both diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic management of complex neurological conditions.

With a commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Hadj Tahar adopts a holistic approach to neurological health, emphasizing evidence-based practices, ongoing patient education, and support. He strives to build trusting relationships with his patients and their families, ensuring they are well-informed and actively involved in their care. Fluent in French, Dr. Hadj Tahar provides compassionate and accessible neurological care tailored to the needs of his patients in Gatineau and surrounding communities.

Dr. Abdallah Hadj Tahar addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)

• Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.
• Seizures or Episodes of Loss of Consciousness: Events involving abnormal electrical brain activity or unexplained blackouts requiring neurological assessment.
• Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.

Cognitive Disorders & Dementia

• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): An intermediate stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging and the more serious decline of dementia.
• Lewy Body Dementia: A type of progressive dementia that leads to a decline in thinking, reasoning and independent function, often with visual hallucinations and parkinsonian features.
• Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior.

Multiple Sclerosis & Demyelinating Diseases

• Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM): A rare inflammatory demyelinating condition of the central nervous system, typically following an infection or vaccination.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Relapsing-Remitting, Primary Progressive, Secondary Progressive: A chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) by damaging the myelin sheath.
• Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): An autoimmune inflammatory disorder primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Abdallah Hadj Tahar.

• 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.
• 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.
• Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
• 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.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) - Performance & Interpretation: Recording and analysis of electrical activity in the brain, primarily used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, and other brain disorders.
• Electromyography (EMG) & Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) - Performance & Interpretation: Diagnostic tests to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons), helping diagnose nerve damage, muscle diseases, and radiculopathies.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Hadj Tahar for care relevant to your needs.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant neurological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Clinique Neuro Outaouais is situated in Gatineau's Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible from UQO Campus St-Joseph and is well-served by public transit, including the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) and the Rapibus BRT system. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing flexibility for patients visiting for consultations or procedures.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Hadj Tahar, a Neurologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Hadj Tahar, as well as many diagnostic tests (e.g., EEG, EMG, review of MRI/CT scans), are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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. Hadj Tahar's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

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

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Hadj Tahar 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.

How are migraines typically managed by a Neurologist?

Migraine management is multifaceted. Dr. Hadj Tahar will work with you to identify triggers, discuss lifestyle modifications (diet, sleep, stress management), and recommend acute treatments to stop a migraine when it occurs (e.g., triptans, CGRP antagonists). For frequent or severe migraines, preventive treatments may be prescribed, which can include oral medications, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, or newer CGRP monoclonal antibodies. A personalized treatment plan is key.

What are the treatment options for epilepsy?

The primary treatment for epilepsy is anti-seizure medication (ASM), formerly known as anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). There are many different ASMs available, and the choice depends on the type of seizures, epilepsy syndrome, age, other medical conditions, and potential side effects. For some individuals whose seizures are not controlled by medication (drug-resistant epilepsy), other options may include dietary therapies (like the ketogenic diet), neurostimulation devices (like Vagus Nerve Stimulation - VNS), or epilepsy surgery. Dr. Hadj Tahar can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.

How does Dr. Hadj Tahar manage Parkinson's disease?

Management of Parkinson's disease is aimed at controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. This typically involves medications that increase dopamine levels in the brain (like levodopa) or mimic its effects. Other medications can help with non-motor symptoms. Dr. Hadj Tahar will also emphasize the importance of exercise, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. For some patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery may be an option. Care is highly individualized.

What does a Neurologist like Dr. Hadj Tahar 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. He is a Neurologist specializing in disorders of the nervous system. Dr. Hadj Tahar is trained to investigate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of neurological conditions.

Clinique Neuro Outaouais
200-209 rue Gamelin
Gatineau, QC J8Y 1W2

Phone: (819) 777-2500 | Fax: (819) 777-2502

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Hadj Tahar is a licensed Neurologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Hadj Tahar for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=10392