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Programs & Services

Multiple Sclerosis Clinic

Image for the multiple sclerosis program

Established in 1981, the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) clinic is one of 22 centres across Canada dedicated to treatment and research in MS. Under the directorship of Dr. Paul O'Connor, the MS clinic has become one of the largest of its kind in North America. Staffed by six specialists, the clinic sees over 4000 patients who come as their condition necessitates. The clinic offers medical and nursing care services in one location and provides referrals for services provided within the hospital and in other health centres.

Our goals are the treatment of relapses, symptom management, disease modification, psychosocial support, rehabilitation and referral to appropriate services. A multidisciplinary approach to care allows for the expertise of allied health professionals who provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work services, and speech-language therapy. Other frequently referred services include access to psychiatry, psychology and urology.

Patients usually require only a physician’s referral for a consultation at the clinic. Initial consultations may include a medical assessment, a neurological examination, referrals for diagnostic tests and procedures, referral to rehabilitation services and education about MS, support services and treatment options. Our nurses have direct contact to our neurologists, and may be contacted by patients between visits to the clinic. Furthermore, In light of the ongoing needs of persons with MS, we promote community services that supplement our own and seek to maintain a continuum of care between patients’ visits. Nurses keep in frequent touch with community care providers, patients and families to assess and ensure appropriate access to medical care.

Research activities complement the treatment and support components of the program. The MS clinic is the largest clinical trial and research centre in the world and is involved in a number of international studies. With a specialty in clinical trials, we investigate the safety and efficacy of new therapies and conduct studies to determine genetic and epidemiological factors in MS. We collaborate with other major national and international researchers to investigate treatment options and promote the quality of life of persons diagnosed with MS.

The clinic has affiliation and is partly funded by the Ontario division of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (MSSC). The MSSC provides significant research funding. MS care is a 'spire of excellence' in the mobility program at St. Michael's Hospital.