Dr. Gordon Bryan Young 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 Sault Area Hospital in Owen Sound, ON, he is an integral part of the local medical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and safety in neurological care. Dr. Young provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders, addressing the complex needs of his patients with professionalism and empathy.
He completed his medical education with a Medical Degree from the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine in Canada. With over 47 years of experience as a Neurologist since 1977, he has developed a deep expertise in managing neurological disorders. Dr. Young is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Young's clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, emphasizing a holistic approach to neurological health. He is dedicated to ongoing patient education and support, ensuring that individuals and their families are well-informed and actively involved in their treatment plans. Fluent in English, he provides compassionate and evidence-based care tailored to each patient's unique needs, fostering a trusting and supportive environment for those navigating complex neurological conditions.
Dr. Gordon Young addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:
Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)
- 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.
- 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.
Movement Disorders
- Essential Tremor: A nervous system disorder (neurological disorder) that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking, most often in the hands.
- Parkinson's Disease: A progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, often including tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability.
- Dystonia (Focal, Segmental, Generalized): A movement disorder in which a person's muscles contract uncontrollably, causing repetitive or twisting movements.
Headache Disorders
- 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.
- Cluster Headache: Intensely painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or cluster periods, one of the most severe types of pain known.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia & Other Facial Pain Syndromes: Chronic pain conditions affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Gordon Young.
- Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
- 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. Young for care relevant to your needs.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant neurological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Sault Area Hospital, located in Owen Sound, ON, serves as a key medical facility in the region, particularly in the areas near central Owen Sound. The hospital's neurology unit is situated within the hospital complex, providing specialized neurological services. The hospital is accessible via local public transit, with multiple bus routes servicing the area. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the hospital, offering convenient options for those arriving by car. The hospital's location is complemented by local points of interest and community resources, making it a central hub for healthcare in the region.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Young, a Neurologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Young, as well as many diagnostic tests (e.g., EEG, EMG, review of MRI/CT scans), are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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. Young's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Young, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Young 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 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. Young will determine which tests, if any, are appropriate for your situation.
- What does a Neurologist like Dr. Young 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. Young is trained to investigate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of neurological conditions.
- 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. Young can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.
- How are migraines typically managed by a Neurologist?
- Migraine management is multifaceted. Dr. Young 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.
Sault Area Hospital
1800 8th Street East
Owen Sound, ON N4K 6M9
Phone: (519) 371-5809 | Fax: (519) 371-0404
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Young is a licensed Neurologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Young for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Young-Gordon-Bryan/0027976-32799