The Paediatric MS Clinic at the Hospital for Sick Children (HSC) began in October 1999 to provide comprehensive assessment, treatment, education, and support of children and adolescents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and their families. The clinic takes place twice a month and is run by a team of health care professionals with expertise in childhood MS. Patients receive regular follow-up appointments with the team and are seen as needed during acute MS-related relapses. Acute relapses are generally managed through our Medical Short Stay Unit, although patients with more severe symptoms are admitted to hospital if necessary. Children who live a long distance from HSC usually receive urgent care for MS relapses through their local hospital in consultation with the HSC team. Children diagnosed before their 18th birthday are followed in the clinic until they have completed high school.
Who Is Part Of the Paediatric MS Clinic Team?
The following professionals are available for assessment, treatment, education and/or support during the MS Clinic:
- Paediatric Neurologist
- Clinic Nurse (Multiple Sclerosis Certified Nurse)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Paediatric Neurology (Multiple Sclerosis Certified Nurse)
- Paediatric Physiotherapist
The following services provide additional consultation, assessments or care as needed:
- Social Work
- Neuro-Ophthalmology
- Neuropsychology
- Psychiatry
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurophysiology - Evoked Potentials
- Diagnostic Imaging - MRI
What Happens At the Clinic?
All patients attending the clinic are assessed by the paediatric neurologist and nurses. Based on the individual needs of each patient and family, other members of the clinic team such as the physiotherapist or social worker become involved. Referrals to specialists such as a neuro-ophthalmologist, neuropsychologist or psychiatrist are generated from clinic assessments. Recommendations for further testing such as blood work, MRI, or evoked potentials are also common during initial assessments or when a child presents with new neurological symptoms. When a decision is made to begin treatment with one of the disease modifying therapies, the first injection takes place in the clinic and patients and their families are educated on medication preparation, administration and storage as well as management of side effects.
Additionally, information is provided to families on multiple sclerosis, treatment options and community resources.
How Are Patients Referred to the Clinic?
A Neurologist or Paediatrician may refer a patient under 18 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis to the HSC Paediatric MS Clinic. A referral form may be obtained by calling the Neurology Clinic Booking Office at 416-813-8133 or logging onto the Hospital for Sick Children website at Sick Kids and going to For Health Care Professionals then Referral to Ambulatory Clinics and Services. The completed referral form may be faxed or mailed to:
Neurology Clinic Booking Office
The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Ave
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5G 1X8
Fax: 416-813-8105
How Do I Find Out More About the Clinic? Contact information.
For general inquiries about the Paediatric MS Clinic and the services provided, please contact:
(416) 813-7383