Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Clinic

Clinique Neuro-Outaouais provides comprehensive, evidence-based care for individuals living with multiple sclerosis. Our team integrates neurologic expertise with the latest advances in MS therapy—from established disease-modifying therapies to emerging neurorehabilitation and neuromodulation options—helping patients improve function, manage new or worsening symptoms, and maintain quality of life throughout every stage of their condition. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects more than 70,000 people in Canada. It is recognized as the most common cause of neurological disorders in young adults in North America.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?

MS symptoms typically begin in the second or third decade of life, but this condition can be diagnosed as early as age 10 and as late as in the 60s. It is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), believed to result from a genetic predisposition combined with an environmental trigger. The disease process is heterogeneous, with 85% of patients starting with a relapsing-remitting course, which, after 15 to 20 years evolves into a secondary progressive course. The remaining 15% of patients will have a chronic, primary progressive course from the onset.

Common multiple sclerosis symptoms include visual loss, sensory loss in one or both lower extremities, weakness of a limb or loss of balance, walking difficulties.

Clinical Evaluation - How is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed?

At CNO, we have a bilingual, multidisciplinary team consisting of neurologists, physiotherapists, medical assistants, specialized nurses and office administrators. Our team is experienced in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with MS.

Once a diagnosis is established, the type of MS is identified, as the disease course can vary significantly between individuals:
  • Relapsing-Remitting MS: Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is the most common form of MS at onset. Patients remitting-relapsing MS experience clear episodes of new or worsening neurological symptoms (relapses), followed by periods of recovery (remissions).
  • Secondary Progressive MS: Over time, some people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis transition to a stage where symptoms gradually worsen and relapses become less distinct.
  • Primary Progressive MS: In this form, the disease progression is steady from onset, without defined relapses or remissions.
At CNO, we ensure that every diagnostic and therapeutic plan is evidence-based, individualized, and continuously adapted to the patient’s evolving needs. Multiple sclerosis investigations and monitoring evaluations often include MRI, evoked potentials, blood tests and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis which can all be done at or arranged through the clinic. Initial consultations are available by referral from a physician.

Multiple Sclerosis Treatments

The treatment armamentarium used in MS has grown exponentially over the past few decades and continues to grow. To support physicians, CNO developed a repository of up-to-date information on the various MS treatments

Many MS treatments options are administered intravenously. These can be received at CNO’s infusion clinic, administered by specialized MS nurses under the supervision of experienced neurologists.

While treatments in MS have changed the clinical evolution of the disease, they are not a cure. Much remains to be accomplished to fully understand the mechanisms of the disease, how to stop the progression of neurological disability and enable repair within the central nervous system, brain, and spinal cord.

CNO continues to be active in the field of clinical research in MS.Clinical trials at CNO are seen as a viable treatment option for patients whose disease does not respond optimally to currently available treatments.

rTMS in MS

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a form of non-invasive neuromodulation. It is a method by which we can modulate how neuronal networks communicate within and across neuronal networks. It consists of inducing brief, repetitive, focal, small electrical currents in the brain using an electromagnet. It is commonly used to treat medication resistant depression. While it is still regarded as experimental, our experience with rTMS has convinced us that it can help alleviate a number of MS related symptoms such as weakness, spasticity, pain and neurogenic bladder. We are currently involved in research looking at rTMS in patients through MS clinical trials.

Rehabilitation

Exercise is important for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to optimize mobility, support recovery from relapses, reduce pain and spasticity, and improve balance. However, physical therapy and exercise are not often realistic options for individuals with MS without the help of experts and access to specialized equipment.

Through a partnership with Clinique NeuroGym, CNO offers patients with MS the opportunity to access physiotherapy services within the clinic. Clinique NeuroGym specializes in motor-enabling rehabilitation for individuals with a range of neurological conditions, including MS.

Together, CNO and Clinique Neurogym have conducted research projects in the field of MS rehabilitation and continue to collaborate to improve clinical outcomes of patients with MS.

MS Related Publications

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Therapy in Gatineau

At Clinique Neuro-Outaouais, we know multiple sclerosis doesn’t follow a predictable course. Our commitment to our patients is to keep MS treatment practical, responsive, and rooted in what’s best for you right now.

Some patients come to us newly diagnosed, unsure of what to expect. Others arrive after years of managing symptoms that shift without warning. Each situation demands something different. The science continues to evolve, and we follow that progress carefully. But we never lose sight of the person in front of us.

At Clinique Neuro-Outaouais, we rely on proven treatments while taking part in the careful introduction of new ones, including rTMS and NeuroGym-based rehabilitation.

If you’re seeking care or exploring new treatment options through clinical trials for MS, we invite you to contact our team to discuss how current and emerging therapies may support your journey forward.