About
Dr. Brigitte Charbonneau 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 CISSSO-hôpital de Hull in Gatineau, QC, she is an integral part of the local medical community, committed to providing high-quality neurological care. She adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), holding license number 14171. Her focus encompasses a broad spectrum of neurological conditions, ensuring comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
With a solid educational foundation, Dr. Charbonneau holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 10 years of experience practicing as a Neurologist since 2014. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in Neurology (Disorders of the Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves, and Muscles) and maintains the necessary certifications to deliver specialized neurological services in Quebec. Her expertise is supported by ongoing professional development to stay current with advances in neurological medicine.
Driven by a commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Charbonneau adopts a holistic and evidence-based approach to neurological health. She emphasizes ongoing patient education, support, and collaboration to empower individuals in managing their conditions. Fluent in French, she offers accessible and compassionate communication, ensuring patients and their families feel informed and involved throughout their care journey. Her dedication is focused on improving nervous system health and quality of life for her patients in Gatineau and surrounding communities.
Dr. Brigitte Charbonneau addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:
Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)
- Seizures or Episodes of Loss of Consciousness: Events involving abnormal electrical brain activity or unexplained blackouts requiring neurological assessment.
- Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.
- 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.
Multiple Sclerosis & Demyelinating Diseases
- Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): An autoimmune inflammatory disorder primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord.
- Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM): A rare inflammatory demyelinating condition of the central nervous system, typically following an infection or vaccination.
- Transverse Myelitis: Inflammation of the spinal cord, often causing weakness, sensory changes, and autonomic dysfunction below the level of the lesion.
Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases
- Carotid Artery Stenosis (Symptomatic): Narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck, increasing stroke risk if it causes neurological symptoms.
- Ischemic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed, leading to brain cell damage.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) / Mini-Stroke: A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often a warning sign for a future stroke.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Brigitte Charbonneau.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
- 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.
- 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.
- Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
- Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) - Performance or Referral & Interpretation: Procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing of conditions like meningitis, encephalitis, MS, or certain neurological infections.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Charbonneau 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.
CISSSO-hôpital de Hull, situated in Gatineau's Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood, serves as a key medical facility within the region. The hospital's Neurology unit is a specialized center providing comprehensive neurological assessments and treatments. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, including the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), which includes the Rapibus BRT system. The hospital is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking options include metered street parking and nearby lots, facilitating a smooth visit for patients and visitors alike. As part of the larger hospital network, the location offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating neurological conditions with expert care.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Charbonneau, a Neurologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Charbonneau, 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. Charbonneau's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Charbonneau, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Charbonneau 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 do for stroke patients?
- For acute ischemic stroke, neurologists in a hospital setting are involved in rapid diagnosis and administration of time-sensitive treatments like thrombolysis (clot-busting medication) or coordinating endovascular thrombectomy. After a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack), a neurologist like Dr. Charbonneau focuses on identifying the cause and implementing strategies for secondary prevention to reduce the risk of future strokes. This includes managing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and recommending antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications and lifestyle changes.
- 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. Charbonneau can provide a comprehensive overview of MS and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific type of MS and disease activity.
- How does Dr. Charbonneau 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. Charbonneau 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Charbonneau?
- Your first appointment with Dr. Charbonneau will likely be quite thorough. She will take a detailed medical history, including your current symptoms, past illnesses, family history of neurological conditions, and any medications you are taking. A comprehensive neurological examination will be performed, which assesses things like your mental status, cranial nerves (vision, hearing, facial movement), strength, coordination, reflexes, and sensation. Based on this, Dr. Charbonneau may discuss potential diagnoses, order further tests (like an MRI, EEG, or blood work), or suggest initial treatment options. Bring a list of your medications and any relevant medical records or imaging reports if you have them.
CISSSO-hôpital de Hull
116 rue Lionel-Emond
Gatineau, QC J8Y 1W7
Phone: (819) 966-6059 | Fax: (819) 966-6315
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Charbonneau 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. Charbonneau 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=14171