These are some general questions to know more about the Multiple Sclerosis Program

 

 

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada. The disease attacks myelin, the protective covering that surrounds the nerves of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the axons (nerve fiber). It produces inflammation and  damages the tissue in patches. These patches are called "lesions" or "plaques". When this happens, the flow of messages traveling through the brain and the spinal cord is slowed down or blocked, leading to the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.

 

For more information on Multiple Sclerosis, 
see the Quebec MS Society web site

 

or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

 

What are the MS program goals?

1- To provide you with care and treatment for your MS.

2- To provide support to you and your family in order to live with MS.

3- To provide education to you and your family.

4- To help you and your family link with your community services.

5- To promote MS research to give you the best care and treatment available.

 

 

What is the history of the MUHC Multiple Sclerosis Program?

The Montreal Neurological Hospital (MNH) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Clinic is the first clinic established in Canada and was the result of efforts by Dr. Roy Swank in 1949.  From rather humble beginnings and small numbers of patients, the clinic gradually became quite large, but had initial difficulty in finding a permanent home.  The clinic was initially centered at the Royal Victoria Hospital, but then moved to a building on University Street, then into the Social  Service  Department  of the Montreal Neurological Hospital, back to a building  on  Pine  Avenue,  with  a horrendous entrance at the rear of the building.  Finally it was located on the second floor of the Montreal Neurological Hospital.

Dr. Bert Cosgrove, who is fondly remembered by many patients, directed the clinic until his death in 1984.  Following that, the clinic has been directed by Dr. Gordon Francis who oversaw the move of the clinic into the Neurological Hospital, hopefully on a permanent basis.  Since we have been keeping computerized records of patients dating to 1984, there have been over 2,500 patients seen at the clinic with approximately 2000 of those being considered active (defined as being seen within the last 2 years).  Recently, Dr. Yves Lapierre has been appointed Director of the MS Clinic.

 

 

What is the Clinical Research Unit (CRU)?

Located at the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI), the CRU works with the members of the clinic and establishes collaboration with world-renowned scientists trying to unlock the mysteries of this neurological disease. Our involvement in research keep us in the forefront of the most current information about new potential MS therapies.

If you would like more information about research, you could contact the research team at:
(514) 398- 8497 or

Visit their web site: www.cru.mcgill.ca

Remember you will only become involved in research with your consent and your care will not be affected should you choose not to participate.