Dr. Luciana Catanese – Neurologist | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Luciana Catanese 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 Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in Hamilton, ON, she is an integral part of the local medical community. She provides comprehensive neurological care, focusing on a wide spectrum of conditions that impact nervous system health. Her commitment is to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care, ensuring that each individual receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating neurological conditions, fostering a collaborative approach to health and wellbeing.

Dr. Catanese graduated with a Medical Degree from Universidad Favaloro in Argentina. With over 8 years of experience as a Neurologist since 2016, she has developed a deep expertise in managing complex neurological cases. She is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing commitment to clinical excellence.

Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, emphasizing a holistic approach to neurological health. Dr. Catanese believes in evidence-based practice, ongoing patient education, and providing comprehensive support throughout the diagnostic and treatment process. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is dedicated to making neurological care accessible and understandable for diverse patient populations in Hamilton. Her goal is to empower patients through knowledge and compassionate care, helping them achieve optimal nervous system health.

Dr. Luciana Catanese 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.
• Seizures or Episodes of Loss of Consciousness: Events involving abnormal electrical brain activity or unexplained blackouts requiring neurological assessment.

Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders

• Focal (Partial) Epilepsy (with or without secondary generalization): Seizures originating in one area of the brain, which may or may not spread to become generalized.
• Status Epilepticus: A medical emergency where a seizure lasts too long or when seizures occur close together without recovery in between.
• Refractory (Drug-Resistant) Epilepsy: Epilepsy that does not respond adequately to treatment with two or more appropriately chosen anti-seizure medications.

Movement Disorders

• Dystonia (Focal, Segmental, Generalized): A movement disorder in which a person's muscles contract uncontrollably, causing repetitive or twisting movements.
• Parkinson's Disease: A progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, often including tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability.
• Tourette Syndrome & Tic Disorders: Neurological disorders characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.

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

• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurological Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex neurological diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed patient decision-making.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Catanese 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.

Dr. Catanese's practice is situated within the Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, a key medical facility serving Hamilton's North End and Beasley neighbourhood. The hospital's location near historic sites such as Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site (Stoney Creek) and shopping centers like Eastgate Square makes it accessible and convenient for patients. Public transit options are available via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), ensuring easy access for those using transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available at or near the hospital to accommodate patients arriving by car. This setting provides a dedicated environment for neurological diagnosis and management, supporting patients throughout their care journey.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Catanese, a Neurologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Catanese, 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. Catanese's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Catanese 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 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. Catanese can provide a comprehensive overview of MS and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific type of MS and disease activity.

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. Catanese 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.

Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital
237 Barton St E
Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2

Phone: (905) 521-2100 | Fax: (905) 577-1427

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Catanese 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. Catanese 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/Catanese-Luciana/0312218-110990