Dr. Élaine Racine-Charette – Neurologist | Chicoutimi, QC

Dr. Élaine Racine-Charette 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 Hôpital de Chicoutimi, Neurologie in Chicoutimi, QC, she is an integral part of the local medical community. She provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in every aspect of patient care.

She holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 7 years of experience as a Neurologist since 2017. Dr. Racine-Charette has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Neurology (Disorders of the Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves, and Muscles) in Quebec. Her expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of neurological evaluations and treatments, making her a trusted specialist in the region.

Guided by a commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Racine-Charette employs a holistic and evidence-based approach to neurological health. She emphasizes ongoing patient education, support, and collaborative decision-making. Fluent in French and dedicated to serving the Chicoutimi community, she strives to provide compassionate and comprehensive neurological care tailored to each individual's needs.

Dr. Élaine Racine-Charette 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.
• 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.

Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases

• Hemorrhagic Stroke (Intracerebral & Subarachnoid): Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into or around brain tissue.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) / Mini-Stroke: A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often a warning sign for a future stroke.
• Carotid Artery Stenosis (Symptomatic): Narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck, increasing stroke risk if it causes neurological symptoms.

Headache Disorders

• Chronic Daily Headache: Headaches occurring 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
• Migraine (with or without Aura): A type of headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
• Tension-Type Headache: The most common type of primary headache, often described as a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Élaine Racine-Charette.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Management of General Neurological Conditions: Ongoing care for a variety of common neurological issues, including follow-up, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Racine-Charette 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.

Hôpital de Chicoutimi, Neurologie is situated in Chicoutimi's areas near central Chicoutimi, within the larger hospital setting. The facility is easily accessible via local public transit, making it convenient for patients from surrounding neighborhoods. The hospital serves as a key medical hub in the region, offering specialized neurological services in a modern, well-equipped environment. The location is wheelchair accessible, with metered street parking and nearby lots available to accommodate visitors. The practice is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all patients and their families seeking neurological care.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Racine-Charette, 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. Racine-Charette's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Racine-Charette, a Neurologist?

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

What are common diagnostic tests in Neurology?

Common tests ordered or interpreted by a neurologist include: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans to visualize the brain and spinal cord; Electroencephalogram (EEG) to record brain electrical activity (often for seizures); Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) to assess nerve and muscle function; Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap) to analyze cerebrospinal fluid; and various blood tests to look for infections, inflammation, or genetic markers. Dr. Racine-Charette will determine which tests, if any, are appropriate for your situation.

Hôpital de Chicoutimi, Neurologie
305 rue Saint Vallier
Chicoutimi, QC G7H 5H6

Phone: (418) 541-1000

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Racine-Charette 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. Racine-Charette 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=17254