Dr. Karine Leduc – Neurologist | Gatineau, QC

Dr. Karine Leduc 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 CSSS de l'Outaouais in Gatineau, QC, she is an integral part of the local medical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and comprehensive neurological care. She provides comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders, offering a compassionate approach tailored to each patient's needs.

Dr. Leduc holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 9 years of experience as a Neurologist since 2015. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in neurology and holds the necessary certifications to practice in QC, including her license from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) with license number 15618.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes patient-centered care, a holistic approach to neurological health, and evidence-based medicine. Dr. Leduc is committed to ongoing patient education and support, ensuring that her patients are well-informed and actively involved in their treatment plans. She speaks French fluently and is dedicated to serving the Gatineau community with empathy and professionalism.

Dr. Karine Leduc addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)

• Memory Loss & Cognitive Changes: Difficulties with memory, concentration, language, or problem-solving that interfere with daily life.
• 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.

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.
• Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior.
• 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.

Headache Disorders

• Trigeminal Neuralgia & Other Facial Pain Syndromes: Chronic pain conditions affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain.
• Cluster Headache: Intensely painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or cluster periods, one of the most severe types of pain known.
• 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.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Karine Leduc.

• 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.
• Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) - Performance & Interpretation: Recording and analysis of electrical activity in the brain, primarily used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, and other brain disorders.

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

Dr. Leduc practices within the CSSS de l'Outaouais in Gatineau's Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighbourhood, situated conveniently near the UQO (Université du Québec en Outaouais) Campus Alexandre-Taché. The facility is easily accessible via public transit, including the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) and the Rapibus BRT. The building is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby for those arriving by car, making it easy to access high-quality neurological care in a comfortable environment.

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

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

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

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Leduc 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Leduc?

Your first appointment with Dr. Leduc 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. Leduc 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.

How are migraines typically managed by a Neurologist?

Migraine management is multifaceted. Dr. Leduc 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 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. Leduc 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 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. Leduc can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.

How does Dr. Leduc 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. Leduc 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.

CSSS de l'Outaouais
116 Boul Lionel-Emond
Gatineau, QC J8Y 1W7

Phone: (819) 966-6059 | Fax: (819) 966-6315

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Leduc 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. Leduc 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=15618