Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this emergency department. As a specialized neurological facility, ER volume here is generally lower than at large general hospitals. For non-life-threatening neurological concerns, mid-morning on weekdays (after the overnight rush and before midday) tends to be a quieter period at most hospital ERs.
Busier times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this ER. Generally, evenings and weekends tend to be busier at most emergency departments. Also note that parking is restricted the day before and on days when the Montréal Alouettes play home games at nearby Molson Stadium, so plan accordingly.
The Hôpital Neurologique de Montréal — known as The Neuro — is a world-renowned specialized neuroscience hospital located at 3801 Rue University in Montréal, QC, affiliated with McGill University and part of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). Its emergency department is designed specifically for neurological emergencies such as stroke, seizure, severe headache, and other brain and nervous system conditions. Patients presenting with non-neurological concerns may be triaged and redirected to another MUHC site such as the Montreal General Hospital, so this ER is best suited for those experiencing neurological symptoms.
Services & Specialties
Neurological emergency care (24/7), Neurosurgery, Stroke assessment and treatment, Epilepsy and seizure management, Neuro-oncology (brain tumours), Movement disorders (Parkinson's disease), Multiple sclerosis (MS) care, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) care, Migraine and headache treatment, Neuro-intensive care unit (neuro-ICU), Interventional neuroradiology, Advanced brain imaging (CT, MRI, MEG, PET, 7T MRI), Neuro-navigation and neuro-stimulation, Robotic epilepsy surgery, Clinical research and Phase I clinical trials, Rehabilitation services, Day hospital and specialty outpatient clinics.
Amenities
Café Vienne coffee shop on the third floor — meals and snacks available (514-398-1926)
Family waiting room on the third floor near Café Neuro
Patient meals planned to Canada's Food Guide standards, delivered to rooms
Telephone service in all patient rooms (dial 9 for local and toll-free calls)
Neuro-Patient Resource Centre (room 354) with telephone access
Mobile phones permitted throughout the facility (minimum 1 metre from biomedical equipment)
Volunteer visitors from the Friends of the Neuro organization
Volunteer cart with personal items and reading materials for patients
Seasonal patient events, music, arts and crafts, and special programs
The Neuro's ER specializes in neurological emergencies — if your concern is not related to the brain or nervous system (e.g., broken bone, chest pain), you may be redirected to another MUHC hospital such as the Montreal General Hospital, so consider going there directly if appropriate.
Upon arrival, a triage nurse will assess you using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) — the most serious cases are always seen first, so wait times will vary based on severity.
The Neuro is a bilingual (French/English) institution, so you can communicate with staff in either official language.
Parking at the ER entrance (back of the building) has only eight spots — if they are full, check the lot behind Molson Stadium or plan to use transit via the McGill métro station (Green Line).
If you or a loved one has a known neurological condition (e.g., epilepsy, MS, Parkinson's), The Neuro's ER has direct access to world-class specialists and advanced imaging not available at most general hospitals.
General visiting hours for non-family visitors are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. — family may have more flexibility as they are considered partners in care.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
Provincial health insurance card (RAMQ card)
Complete list of current medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors
Any relevant medical records, imaging, or neurology reports
Emergency contact name and phone number
Health insurance information for any supplemental or out-of-province coverage
Comfortable clothing and a warm layer, as waiting areas can be cool
Phone charger or portable battery, and something to read or listen to during waits
Parking
There are eight parking spots directly at The Neuro's Emergency Department entrance at the back of the hospital, plus six handicap-accessible spots near the ambulance entrance. Six additional spots are available in the lot behind Molson Stadium. Handicap-accessible entrances are located on the right side of the building and through the ambulance entrance at the rear. Drop-off and pick-up is permitted at the main entrance on University Avenue, but vehicles must then park or leave immediately to keep entrances clear. Note: parking lot access may be restricted the day before and on game days when the Alouettes play at home. For current hourly and daily parking rates, check the MUHC Parking page.
Getting There
The Neuro is within walking distance of McGill métro station (Green Line) and is served by multiple STM bus routes along University Street and Avenue des Pins. An STM direct-line phone is available at the main entrance at 3801 University Street. The STM's paratransit (door-to-door) service also serves this location for eligible passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hôpital Neurologique de Montréal treat all types of emergencies?
No — The Neuro's emergency department is specifically designed for neurological emergencies such as stroke, seizures, severe headaches, and other brain or nervous system conditions. Patients with non-neurological concerns (such as fractures or cardiac issues) may be assessed by the triage nurse and redirected to another MUHC site, such as the Montreal General Hospital, which is better equipped for general emergencies.
What neurological conditions does The Neuro ER treat?
The Neuro's ER can treat a wide range of urgent neurological conditions including stroke, epileptic seizures, brain tumours, severe migraine, multiple sclerosis flare-ups, movement disorder crises (including Parkinson's), ALS complications, and other acute brain and nervous system emergencies. The facility has on-site neurosurgeons, neurologists, and advanced imaging including CT, MRI, MEG, and PET scanners.
How does triage work at The Neuro emergency department?
When you arrive, a triage nurse will assess your condition and assign a priority level using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), which is the national standard used across Canada. This scale ensures that the most critically ill patients are always seen first, regardless of arrival order. Your wait time will depend on your assigned priority level and how many other patients are being treated.
Is The Neuro a bilingual hospital?
Yes. Hôpital Neurologique de Montréal is a fully bilingual academic institution serving patients in both French and English. You can communicate with medical and administrative staff in either official language.
Where should I park when visiting The Neuro's emergency department?
There are eight dedicated parking spots at the ER entrance at the back of the hospital, plus six handicap-accessible spots near the ambulance entrance. An additional six spots are available in the lot behind Molson Stadium. Be aware that on Montréal Alouettes home game days (and the day before), access to the rear parking lot may be restricted. Drop-off is allowed at the main entrance on University Avenue, but vehicles must then park or leave immediately.
Can I access clinical trials or experimental treatments through The Neuro's emergency department?
The Neuro conducts approximately 20% of all Phase I clinical trials in Canada through its Clinical Research Unit, and many inpatients have the opportunity to participate in studies of the newest available treatments. While emergency visits focus on immediate stabilization and care, patients who are admitted may be introduced to research opportunities that are not available at most other hospitals.
Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.
Wait times are estimates based on Quebec health data. Actual wait times may vary.
This hospital does not publish a live wait, so the figure above comes from our model rather than from its own feed. We publish how that model performs where it can be checked, at the hospitals that do publish. See the accuracy scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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