Dr. Nicholas Gélinas-Phaneuf – Neurosurgeon | Québec, QC

Dr. Nicholas Gélinas-Phaneuf is a dedicated Neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system in adult patients. Practicing at Hopital de l'Enfant-Jesus in Québec City, QC, he is an integral part of the local surgical and medical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that his practice aligns with the rigorous professional and ethical guidelines required for neurosurgical care. Dr. Gélinas-Phaneuf provides comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, including trauma, tumors, and degenerative diseases. His approach emphasizes patient safety, precision, and the use of advanced surgical techniques to optimize outcomes and recovery in adult patients.

He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 11 years of experience as a Neurosurgeon since 2013. Throughout his career, he has completed extensive postgraduate training and obtained the necessary certifications to practice neurosurgery (Surgical Care of the Brain, Spine, and Nerves) in Québec. His credentials reflect a commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in surgical practice.

Dr. Gélinas-Phaneuf's clinical philosophy centers on providing patient-centered care that prioritizes safety, accuracy, and the integration of advanced technology. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans and offers thorough post-operative support. Fluent in French and committed to serving the Québec City community, he strives to ensure that every patient receives compassionate, comprehensive neurosurgical care tailored to their unique needs.

Dr. Nicholas Gélinas-Phaneuf surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Cerebrovascular Disorders (Requiring Surgical Intervention)

• Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH - select cases for evacuation): Bleeding within the brain tissue itself, where surgical evacuation may be considered for large or life-threatening hematomas.
• Cavernous Malformations (Cavernomas): Clusters of abnormal, dilated blood vessels that can occur in the brain or spinal cord and may cause bleeding or seizures.
• Cerebral Aneurysms (Unruptured & Ruptured): A bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain, which can leak or rupture, causing a hemorrhagic stroke.

Functional Neurosurgery & Neuropathic Pain Conditions

• Movement Disorders (Parkinson's, Essential Tremor, Dystonia - for DBS evaluation): Evaluation for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery for patients with movement disorders not adequately controlled by medication.
• Medically Refractory Epilepsy (for surgical evaluation): Epilepsy that continues despite trials of multiple anti-seizure medications, prompting consideration for surgical interventions.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain, potentially treated with microvascular decompression.

Spinal Column & Spinal Cord Disorders

• Spinal Fractures & Instability (Traumatic or Pathologic): Breaks in the vertebrae or spinal instability often requiring surgical stabilization.
• Herniated Disc (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar): A condition where the soft inner portion of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the outer ring, potentially compressing nerves.
• Spinal Stenosis (Cervical, Lumbar): Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurosurgical condition, please consult with Dr. Nicholas Gélinas-Phaneuf.

• Surgical Management of Hemorrhagic Stroke (e.g., Hematoma Evacuation): Procedures to remove blood clots and relieve pressure on the brain after certain types of strokes.
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurosurgical Conditions: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed surgical or non-surgical treatment plans.
• Syrinx (Syringomyelia) Decompression Surgery: Procedures to drain or shunt fluid-filled cavities (syrinxes) within the spinal cord.
• Surgical Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia & Other Facial Pain Syndromes (e.g., Microvascular Decompression): Procedures to alleviate severe facial pain caused by nerve compression or dysfunction.
• Baclofen Pump Implantation for Spasticity Management: Surgical placement of a pump to deliver baclofen directly to the spinal fluid to reduce severe muscle spasticity.
• Nerve Biopsy for Diagnostic Purposes: Obtaining a small sample of a peripheral nerve for pathological examination.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Neurosurgical treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Gélinas-Phaneuf 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.

Hopital de l'Enfant-Jesus is situated in the vibrant areas near central Québec City. The hospital is conveniently located close to ExpoCité and Grand Marché de Québec, making it easily accessible for patients from various parts of the city. Public transit options are abundant, with the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) providing reliable bus services to the facility. The hospital is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfortable access for all patients. Parking is available nearby, with metered street parking and several parking lots for patient convenience, facilitating easy access for those attending scheduled appointments or surgical procedures.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Gélinas-Phaneuf, 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. Gélinas-Phaneuf'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. Gélinas-Phaneuf, 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. Gélinas-Phaneuf. 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. Gélinas-Phaneuf?

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. Gélinas-Phaneuf 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.

Does Dr. Gélinas-Phaneuf perform minimally invasive neurosurgery?

Many neurosurgeons, including potentially Dr. Gélinas-Phaneuf, 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. Gélinas-Phaneuf if minimally invasive options are suitable for your specific neurosurgical needs.

When might someone need to see a Neurosurgeon?

A referral to a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Gélinas-Phaneuf 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.

What is recovery like after neurosurgery?

Recovery from neurosurgery varies greatly depending on the type and complexity of the surgery, the underlying condition being treated, and the individual patient's overall health. It can range from a few weeks for some minimally invasive spine procedures to several months or longer for major brain or complex spine surgeries. Recovery often involves a hospital stay, followed by a period of rest and rehabilitation, which may include physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Dr. Gélinas-Phaneuf and the care team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and support throughout the recovery process.

Hopital de l'Enfant-Jesus
1401 18e Rue
Québec City, QC G1J 1Z4

Phone: (418) 649-0252 | Fax: (418) 648-5988

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Gélinas-Phaneuf 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. Gélinas-Phaneuf 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=13590