Dr. Harrison Westwick – Neurosurgeon | Laval, QC

Dr. Harrison Westwick is a dedicated Neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system in adult patients. Practicing at Sciences Neurologiques de Laval in Laval, QC, he is an integral part of the local surgical and medical community. He provides comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, including trauma, tumors, and degenerative diseases. His practice is committed to utilizing advanced surgical techniques and fostering a supportive environment for patients undergoing neurosurgical treatment.

Dr. Westwick holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 5 years of experience as a Neurosurgeon since 2019. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Neurosurgery (Surgical Care of the Brain, Spine, and Nerves) in QC. His credentials ensure that he adheres to the highest standards of safety and excellence in neurosurgical care.

Guided by a philosophy of patient safety, precision surgery, and the integration of advanced technology, Dr. Westwick is dedicated to providing personalized care to each patient. He emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive post-operative follow-up to optimize outcomes. Fluent in both English and French, he is committed to serving the diverse community of Laval with compassion and professionalism.

Dr. Harrison Westwick surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Spinal Column & Spinal Cord Disorders

• Syringomyelia (Syrinx): Formation of a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) within the spinal cord, which can expand and damage nerve tissue.
• Spinal Cord Tumors (Intramedullary, Extramedullary): Abnormal growths within or surrounding the spinal cord that may require surgical removal.
• Herniated Disc (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar): A condition where the soft inner portion of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the outer ring, potentially compressing nerves.

Cerebrovascular Disorders (Requiring Surgical Intervention)

• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): Bleeding into the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane, often caused by a ruptured aneurysm.
• Cavernous Malformations (Cavernomas): Clusters of abnormal, dilated blood vessels that can occur in the brain or spinal cord and may cause bleeding or seizures.
• Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) of the Brain & Spine: Tangles of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, which can disrupt normal blood flow and risk rupture.

Peripheral Nerve Disorders (Surgical Management)

• Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome - surgical cases): Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, potentially requiring surgical decompression or transposition.
• Traumatic Nerve Injuries (requiring repair or grafting): Severe injuries to peripheral nerves that may benefit from surgical exploration, repair, or nerve grafting.
• Peripheral Nerve Tumors (e.g., Schwannomas, Neurofibromas): Benign or malignant tumors arising from peripheral nerves that may require surgical excision.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurosurgical condition, please consult with Dr. Harrison Westwick.

• Baclofen Pump Implantation for Spasticity Management: Surgical placement of a pump to deliver baclofen directly to the spinal fluid to reduce severe muscle spasticity.
• Surgery for Degenerative Spine Disease (e.g., Herniated Discs, Spinal Stenosis): Procedures such as microdiscectomy, laminectomy, and foraminotomy to relieve nerve compression and pain.
• Skull Base Surgery (Anterior, Middle, Posterior Fossa): Complex surgical procedures to treat tumors and other lesions located at the base of the skull, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach.
• Chiari Malformation Decompression: Surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the cerebellum and brainstem caused by Chiari malformation.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurosurgical Conditions: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed surgical or non-surgical treatment plans.
• Interpretation of Advanced Neuroimaging (MRI, CT, Angiography, Myelography): Expert analysis of specialized imaging of the brain, spinal cord, and vasculature to guide diagnosis and surgical decision-making.
• Cerebral Aneurysm Clipping & Coiling (Endovascular coiling often with Interventional Neuroradiology): Surgical or endovascular treatment to secure brain aneurysms and prevent rupture or re-rupture.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Neurosurgical treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Westwick for care relevant to your specific condition.

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

Sciences Neurologiques de Laval is situated in Laval's vibrant areas near central Laval, conveniently accessible via the Major North-South Commercial Corridor. The facility is well-served by public transit, including the Société de transport de Laval (STL), ensuring easy access for patients. The practice is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible environment. Parking is available with metered street parking and nearby lots for patients' convenience, making it simple to reach for those seeking expert neurosurgical care in Laval.

Are consultations and neurosurgical procedures with Dr. Westwick, a Neurosurgeon, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Westwick, as well as most diagnostic imaging reviews and provincially insured neurosurgical procedures (e.g., for tumors, spine conditions, aneurysms), 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. Some advanced technologies, specific implantable devices, or purely elective/cosmetic procedures may have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Westwick's office, the hospital's financial services, or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) prior to any major procedure.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Westwick, a Neurosurgeon?

Yes, a referral from your family physician, an emergency room physician, or another specialist (like a neurologist or oncologist) is almost always required to see a Neurosurgeon such as Dr. Westwick. Neurosurgical conditions are typically complex and require initial assessment and investigation before a neurosurgical consultation is appropriate. The referral ensures coordinated care and that you are directed to the right specialist.

How is a brain tumor typically treated by a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Westwick?

The treatment for a brain tumor depends on its type, size, location, and the patient's overall health. For many tumors, surgical resection (removal) by a neurosurgeon like Dr. Westwick is a primary treatment, aiming to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible. Surgery may also be done to obtain a biopsy for diagnosis. Often, surgery is part of a multidisciplinary approach that may also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies, coordinated with oncologists and radiation oncologists.

What types of spine problems does a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Westwick treat surgically?

Neurosurgeons like Dr. Westwick who specialize in spine surgery treat a variety of conditions affecting the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (low-back) spine. These can include herniated discs causing nerve compression, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra), spinal fractures due to trauma, spinal tumors, and spinal deformities. Surgical procedures aim to decompress nerves, stabilize the spine, or remove tumors.

Does Dr. Westwick perform minimally invasive neurosurgery?

Many neurosurgeons, including potentially Dr. Westwick, utilize minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques when appropriate for the patient's condition. These techniques involve smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and often advanced imaging guidance, which can lead to reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. You should ask Dr. Westwick if minimally invasive options are suitable for your specific neurosurgical needs.

What are some common procedures a Neurosurgeon performs?

Neurosurgeons perform a wide variety of intricate procedures. Common surgeries include craniotomies (opening the skull) for brain tumor removal, aneurysm clipping, or hematoma evacuation; spinal surgeries like laminectomies or discectomies for nerve decompression, and spinal fusions for instability; and placement of shunts for hydrocephalus. Dr. Westwick would be able to discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition. Many neurosurgeons also have subspecialty interests, such as pediatric neurosurgery, spine surgery, or vascular neurosurgery.

When might someone need to see a Neurosurgeon?

A referral to a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Westwick is typically made by another physician when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical intervention or specialized neurosurgical assessment. This can include brain tumors, spinal disc herniations causing severe nerve compression, spinal stenosis, traumatic brain or spine injuries, cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), hydrocephalus, some forms of epilepsy, or peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes not responding to conservative treatment.

Sciences Neurologiques de Laval
320-4650 Desserte S Autoroute 440 O
Laval, QC H7T 2Z8

Phone: (438) 940-1221 | Fax: (450) 686-0252

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Westwick is a licensed Neurosurgeon regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Westwick 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=19817