Dr. Pierre J. Blanchet

Dr. Pierre J. Blanchet addresses a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders

• 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.
• Generalized Epilepsy (e.g., Tonic-Clonic, Absence Seizures): Seizures that affect both sides of the brain from the onset, leading to various types of convulsions or alterations in consciousness.

Common Neurological Symptoms (Requiring Evaluation)

• Persistent or Severe Headaches / Migraines: Head pain that is frequent, debilitating, or associated with other neurological symptoms like aura or nausea.
• Memory Loss & Cognitive Changes: Difficulties with memory, concentration, language, or problem-solving that interfere with daily life.
• 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.

Headache Disorders

• Chronic Daily Headache: Headaches occurring 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
• 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.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia & Other Facial Pain Syndromes: Chronic pain conditions affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurological concerns, please consult with Dr. Pierre J. Blanchet.

• Management of Status Epilepticus (in hospital setting): Emergency treatment for prolonged or recurrent seizures.
• 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.
• Diagnosis & Comprehensive Management of Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders: Including seizure type classification, anti-epileptic drug (AED) selection and management, and lifestyle counseling.
• Evaluation for Epilepsy Surgery, Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), or Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS): Assessing suitability for advanced epilepsy treatments when medications are not fully effective.
• 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.
• Long-Term Epilepsy Monitoring (LTM) / Video-EEG Monitoring - Interpretation & Management Planning: Extended EEG recording, often with video, to capture seizure events and aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.

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

CHUM, located in Montréal's Ville-Marie East (Quartier Latin, Village) neighborhood, serves as the primary location for Dr. Blanchet's practice. The facility is conveniently situated near the McGill University Gates and Place Ville Marie, making it easily accessible for patients. Public transit options include the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), with access via the Métro and Bus networks, ensuring reliable transportation for most patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible, providing barrier-free entry and accommodations for individuals with mobility challenges. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, facilitating convenient access for all patients.

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

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Blanchet, a Epileptologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see a Epileptologist like Dr. Blanchet 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.

When should I consider seeing a Neurologist?

You should consider seeing a Neurologist if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms such as: severe or frequent headaches (especially if new or different), chronic dizziness or vertigo, numbness or tingling in your limbs, unexplained weakness, seizures or blackouts, memory problems or cognitive decline, difficulties with movement or coordination (like tremors or unsteady gait), or significant changes in vision not explained by eye problems. Your family doctor can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a neurologist like Dr. Blanchet if needed.

How does Dr. Blanchet 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. Blanchet 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.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Blanchet?

Your first appointment with Dr. Blanchet will likely be quite thorough. He 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. Blanchet 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.

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. Dr. Blanchet can discuss the most appropriate treatment pathway.

CHUM
1000 rue Saint-Denis
Montréal, QC H2X 0C1

Phone: (514) 890-8123 | Fax: (514) 412-7139

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Blanchet is a licensed Epileptologist 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. Blanchet 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=85163