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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program

About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. MS attacks myelin, a material that supports nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with 12 Canadians diagnosed every day. While there are treatments, they do not prevent mounting disability and reduction in quality of life.

Our Services

We provide specialized care and support to over 4,000 patients from across Canada.

Using an interdisciplinary approach, our researchers are studying MS in all its aspects and at every stage: from brain imaging to the basic biology of nerve cells to immune response.

At The Neuro, transitional research is integrated with clinical programs to translate discoveries into novel therapeutics.

We offer:

  • Consultation and monitoring of patients already diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
  • Investigation for the diagnosis of suspected cases
  • Multidisciplinary staff of neurologists, nurse specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers
  • Multidisciplinary approach ensures the best care for patients suffering from reduced mobility, and for families trying to cope with the needs of their loved one

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Contact Us

Room 203
Tel.: 514-398-1931
Fax: 514-398-7454

Learn more about our MS Programme

your visit

research

resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

This guide is for you! It is designed to help answer some of the common questions you may have and how to navigate more effectively in our clinic. We hope this improves your experience and outlines the important role you can play in taking care of your health.

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Who are we?

We are an interdisciplinary team of professionals who provide management and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis for patients and their significant others living with the disease.

We have a large specialized clinic following more than 3000 patients, divided between two sites: the Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital) and the Montreal Neurological Clinic (Glen site).

What services are provided at the MS clinic?

  • Consultation and monitoring of people with multiple sclerosis and other neuroinflammatory diseases
  • Evaluation and diagnosis of people with inflammatory diseases of the nervous system
  • Multidisciplinary care including neurologists, nurse specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, psychiatrist, and psychologist.

What to do if I have a new symptom, or concerns related to my neurological condition?

Call our nursing help line at 514-398-1931 option 3

Open phone lines are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00AM-12:00PM.

Leave a detailed message including your name, telephone number, and reason for call and a nurse will call you back, typically within 48 hours.

How do I get a follow-up appointment with my neurologist?

A follow-up time will be determined at your visit, but it is not always possible to schedule it at the end of the visit. We do keep track of follow-up appointment lists, however due to the high volume of patients we cannot ensure routine booking of follow-up visits.

If you need to be seen in the MS Clinic or have not received an appointment 2 months prior to its intended time (for example, in January for an appointment due in March), contact the MS Clinic office at 514-398-1931 option 1.

My neurologist has requested an MRI, how does the scheduling works?

You will be contacted by the Montreal Neurological Hospital Radiology Department for booking your appointment.

If you notice the MRI scheduling is delayed beyond the time recommended by your neurologist, contact the radiology department at 514-398-1910, as they may accommodate you in case of a last-minute cancellation.

If you are still unable to obtain an MRI appointment after contacting the radiology department, it is important that you inform us by contacting the MS clinic at 514-398-1931 option 1. We will do our best to try to minimize delays.

Once your MRI is complete, please call the MS clinic at 514-398-1931 option 1 to book a follow-up appointment to review the results with your neurologist.

I am noticing a change in my neurological symptoms, when should I call the clinic?

  • new symptoms that last more than 24 hours
  • the recurrence or worsening of previous symptoms lasting more than 48 hours

Call our nursing help line at 514-398-1931 option 3

Open phone lines are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00AM-12:00PM.

Leave a detailed message including your name, telephone number, and reason for call and a nurse will call you back, typically within 48 hours.

Please note: The MS clinic is closed on all major and hospital holidays. A delay in call backs is to be expected. In case of an emergency, we recommend to call Info Sante 811 or present to the emergency room.

How is an MS relapse managed?

New or worsening MS symptoms may be due to a relapse or pseudo-relapse (pseudo-exacerbation).

A pseudo-relapse is a temporary worsening of old symptoms triggered by infection, heat exposure, fatigue, stress, medication changes, etc.

Relapses may be treated with high dose steroids, however not all symptoms require treatment. The decision to treat your MS is based on the severity of symptoms and the effect on your everyday ability to function. Pseudo-relapses are treated by addressing the underlying cause.

Please let your MS Clinic nurse know if you are having a relapse because it may indicate that you require an MS therapy, or re-assessment of your current disease modifying therapy.

What if I have a health-related concern that is not related to MS?

Here are some available options:

  • Call Info Santé 811, and get access to a telephone consult with a nurse, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Book an appointment with a GP
  • If you do not have a GP or you are unable to get an appointment with them, you can book an appointment at a medical clinic on the website rendez-vous santé Québec:
    • You can search for a clinic close to home. If there are no appointments available, continue to watch the website throughout the day. Availabilities usually open up for a consult within 24-48 hours.

What to do if I require a renewal for a prescription?

You can ask your doctor to renew all prescriptions during your visit at the clinic.

If you are in need of a renewal between two clinic visits, please ask your pharmacist to fax a request for renewal to the attention of your doctor at 514-398-7454

What if I am missing a laboratory requisition for safety monitoring while on an MS therapy?

If you are missing a requisition, and are on an MS therapy, first contact your patient support program. As a second option, call our administrative assistants at 514-398-1931, option 1 or 2.

Please note that most disease-modifying therapies require safety laboratory monitoring. It is your responsibility to ensure that you do those within the recommended interval.

Can I do blood tests at the Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital)?

Yes, blood tests can be done at the Neuro in room 243, Monday-Friday between 9:30-12:00 and 13:00-14:00. No appointment is needed.

When is my next clinic appointment?

The frequency of follow-up visits varies and will be determined together with your neurologist during your visit. It is not always possible to schedule your follow-up at the end of the visit.

We keep track of follow-up appointment lists, however, due to the high volume of patients we cannot ensure routine booking of follow-up visits.

If you need to be seen in the MS Clinic or have not received an appointment 2 months prior to its intended time (for example, in January for an appointment due in March), contact the MS Clinic office at 514-398-1931 option 1.

How Do I Best Prepare for My Follow-Up Appointment?

  • Bring a list of your current medications.
  • Bring your eyeglasses.
  • You may wish to have someone attend the appointment with you if you need. It is often helpful to have another person to hear the information you are receiving.
  • Bring your Medicare/RAMQ card or other form of medical insurance if applicable.
  • If your personal information (address, phone number, etc.) has changed since your last visit to the hospital, please arrive ahead of your scheduled appointment time to make the necessary changes with the patient registration office on the main floor.

Cancellations and No-show Appointments

If you need to cancel an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible by calling our clinic at 514-398-1931. If you reach our voicemail, please leave a message. We kindly request that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice so that we can offer the appointment time to another patient in need.

If you are unable to attend and do not inform us, we will not book another appointment for you until we hear from you. To reschedule, please call our clinic at 514-398-1931. There may be a wait for another appointment.

I need a medical form to be filled out, how does that work?

Forms that require the expertise of a neurology specialist and medical letters will be completed by our clinic. The form will be completed within 30 daysÌýof receipt.

Please note that there will be an administrative fee for these services (see below), in accordance with RAMQ regulations for non-covered services.

If you have questions or need to send a form, please call administrative assistant Sarah Schulman at 514-398-1931 option 2

How can I learn about ongoing research, or participating in a clinical trial?

The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital) is a leading research center for multiple sclerosis. As a patient of the clinic, you may be invited to participate in research projects. However, participation in research is entirely voluntary. Your decision to participate or not in research will have no impact on the quality of care you receive.

One of our ongoing research studies is called DEMySTIFI. In this study, we closely monitor individuals with multiple sclerosis to identify factors influencing the progression of this disease. Our hope is that the findings from this study will deepen our understanding of science, and more importantly, enable us to provide more precise and personalized care to patients. If you are interested in participating, please contact our coordinator Christel Dias at christel.dias2 [at] mcgill.ca.

For more information about recruiting clinical trials, contact the MS Team at ms-cru.neuro [at] mcgill.ca.

More information is also available on the website

I want to learn more about multiple sclerosis, what are some helpful resources?

MS Canada

There is a wealth of information about MS on the Internet. We suggest that you start with the MS Society pages: MS society of Canada

The Neuro Website

For current information on clinic services and research, access our web page

/neuro/people/field_mprofile_location/multiple_sclerosis_program

MS Canada - Quebec Division

  • Contact them to find your local chapter.
  • Website:
  • Email: info.qc [at] scleroseenplaques.ca
  • Phone: 514-849-7591

Services offered:

  • Free and confidential telephone counselling.
  • Access to a list of psychologists with knowledge of MS.
  • Support groups located throughout Quebec.
  • Online library of resources about MS general information, symptom management, treatments for MS (disease modifying therapies).
  • Exercise groups, and more.

What resources are available if I need psychological counselling or have mental health concerns?

Finding a psychologist

  • Go on the MS society's website for a list of psychologists: (in French only).
  • Do an online search on the Ordre des psychologues du Québec’s website: (in French only)
  • Or call here: 514-738-1223 or 1 800 561-1223 (toll free).

Psychosocial services

The CLSC offers psychosocial services. You can try to self-refer as a patient or you can call the MS clinic if you need a referral.

How to find your local CLSC?

Quebec government website:

Telephone: Montreal region - 514-644-4545 / Elsewhere in Quebec - 1 877 644-4545 (toll free).

Mental health concerns

  • Book an appointment with your general practitioner (GP) to discuss it.
  • You can request a referral with Dr. Michaela Barbarosie, a neuropsychiatrist who is a part of the MS clinic team.
  • Contact crisis centres located in Montreal and surrounding areas. Link:
  • Call Info-Social at 811 option 2.
Jack Antel, MD

Jack Antel, MD

Research areas: Neuroimmunological Diseases
Michaela Barbarosie, MD

Michaela Barbarosie, MD

Paul Giacomini, MD, FRCP(C)

Paul Giacomini, MD, FRCP(C)

Research areas: Neuroimmunological Diseases
Adil Harroud, MD

Adil Harroud, MD

Research areas: Neuroimmunological Diseases
Myriam Lévesque-Roy, MD

Myriam Lévesque-Roy, MD

Alexander Saveriano, MD

Alexander Saveriano, MD

Research areas: Neuroimmunological Diseases

The Neuro logoÌýº£½ÇÉçÇø logo

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The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital)Ìýis a bilingual academic healthcare institution. We are aÌýº£½ÇÉçÇø research and teaching institute; delivering high-quality patient care, as part of the Neuroscience Mission of the º£½ÇÉçÇø Health Centre.ÌýWe areÌýproud to be a Killam Institution, supported by the Killam Trusts.

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