Dr. Meagan Maree Guay 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 a neurology clinic within a hospital department in Hamilton, ON, she is an integral part of the local medical community. Dr. Guay provides comprehensive and compassionate care for a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, neuropathy, stroke, and cognitive disorders. Her approach emphasizes thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment plans to improve patient outcomes. The clinic offers a supportive environment for patients and families navigating neurological conditions, ensuring they receive respectful and attentive care.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from the National University of Ireland (Ireland) and has been practicing as a Neurologist since 2022, bringing over 2 years of specialized experience to her clinical practice. Dr. Guay is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining high standards of professional excellence and ethical practice. Her ongoing commitment to medical education and clinical excellence ensures that her patients benefit from the latest advances in neurological care.
Dr. Guay’s clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, integrating a holistic approach to neurological health with evidence-based practices. She is dedicated to ongoing patient education and providing support throughout the diagnostic and treatment process. Fluent in English, she strives to foster clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients, ensuring they feel empowered and well-informed about their care options.
Dr. Meagan Guay addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:
Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)
- Seizures or Episodes of Loss of Consciousness: Events involving abnormal electrical brain activity or unexplained blackouts requiring neurological assessment.
- Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Problems: Sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or lightheadedness that may indicate an underlying neurological issue.
- Memory Loss & Cognitive Changes: Difficulties with memory, concentration, language, or problem-solving that interfere with daily life.
Neuromuscular Diseases
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): A rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system.
- Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-induced, Idiopathic): Damage to or disease affecting nerves, which may impair sensation, movement, gland or organ function, or other aspects of health.
- Myasthenia Gravis: A chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body.
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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Meagan Guay.
- 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.
- 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.
- Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) - Consultation/Oversight: Monitoring of nervous system function during surgeries that pose a risk to neurological structures.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Guay 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. Guay practices within a neurology department situated in Hamilton's Corktown neighborhood, accessible via the West Harbour GO Station (North End). The facility is well-connected by public transit, including the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The location is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing flexible options for those arriving by car. The environment is designed to be welcoming and accommodating, supporting patients and their families through every step of their neurological care journey.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Guay, a Neurologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurologist like Dr. Guay, 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. Guay's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Guay, a Neurologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Neurologist like Dr. Guay 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. Guay can provide a comprehensive overview of MS and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific type of MS and disease activity.
- 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. Guay will determine which tests, if any, are appropriate for your situation.
- What does a Neurologist like Dr. Guay 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. Guay is trained to investigate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of neurological conditions.
100 West 5th Street
Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7
Phone: (905) 522-1155 | Fax: (905) 381-5670
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Guay 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. Guay 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/Guay-Meagan-Maree/0318581-113130