Providence Health Care

SPIN Centre: St. Paul’s Hospital Immunotherapy for Neurologic Disease

Patients with autoimmune neuromuscular disorders will be evaluated and treated in a comprehensive manner, including life-style/exercise, medications, and immunoglobulin therapy. Response to treatment will be evaluated using objective outcome measures, as well as patient reported and functional outcome measures with a Value-Based Health Care lens. Therapy side effects and complications will be monitored, and support provided for patients.

The SPIN Center includes the SCIg Clinicfor Neurologic Disease, a novel subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) program for neuro-immunotherapy situated at the SPH site.  Patients currently receiving  IVIg will be empowered to transition to home-based SCIg therapy.  This will be run in coordination with the Medical Short Stay Unit and the community patient support programs, and will be supported by a Neuromuscular Nurse.

Telephone: TBA
Fax: TBA

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

• 18 years of age or older
• Patient has suspected or diagnosed autoimmune peripheral nerve, neuromuscular junction or muscle disease
• May require standard Nerve Conduction Studies, EMG, or repetitive nerve stimulation
• Inpatient or outpatient

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

• Patients with autoimmune disorders of the Central Nervous System
• Patients wishing to switch to SCIg who are outside the PHC catchment

Physicians:

Dr. Kristine Chapman
Dr. Katie Beadon

Electromyography (EMG) In/ Outpatient Clinic

EMG is a diagnostic service for patients suffering from muscle- and nerve-related disorders such as numbness of the hands or feet, weakness, or nerve related pain. The EMG clinic is operated by a neurologist or physiatrist certified through the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists (CSCN).
The patient will receive a neurologic consultation along with the EMG, as the EMG test  is an extension of the physical examination rather than a free standing test.

Conditions investigated include carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy, fibular neuropathy and other compression neuropathies, radiculopathy (Pinched nerve in the neck or back), plexus injury, neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, ALS, or myopathy.

Telephone: 604-806-8646
Fax: 604-806-8624

Physicians:
Dr. Matt Kula
Dr. Alister Prout
Dr. Katie Beadon
Dr. Kristine Chapman
Dr. Chris Fox

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

• 18 years of age or older
• Patient has suspected peripheral nerve and muscle disease or injury
• Requires standard Nerve Conduction Studies, EMG, or repetitive nerve stimulation
• Inpatient or outpatient

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

• Single fibre EMG or diaphragmatic EMG are not done at this lab

EEG and Evoked Potentials Clinic

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test used to find problems related to electrical activity of the brain, such as seizures. An EEG tracks and records brain wave patterns. Small metal discs with thin wires (electrodes) are placed on the scalp, and then send signals to a computer to record the results.

Telephone: 604-806-8650
Fax: 604-806-8624

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

• Must be referred by a family physician or specialist.
• History of seizures or undiagnosed spells, altered level of consciousness, or neurodegenerative conditions.
• Inpatient or outpatient

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Rapid Access Specialist Clinic - Neurology Clinic

The Rapid Access Neurology clinic sees patients with urgent neurologic issues, such as Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA),or recent onset of seizures.

Location: St. Paul's Hospital - RASC location – 5^th Floor Burrard
Telephone: 604-875-5295
Fax: 604-875-4374
Website: https://www.providencehealthcare.org/rapid-access-specialist-clinic 

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

• Must be referred by at ER physician at SPH or Mt. St. Joesephs hospital.
• Patients are seen for new symptoms.
• Patients do not have a treating neurologist in the community.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

• Long standing neurologic conditions
• Non-urgent referrals

Physicians:

(Dr. Chris Fox: Mt. St. Joesephs)
Dr. Ana Luisa Sayao
Dr. Katie Beadon

Stroke Prevention Clinic

The stroke prevention clinic provides rapid access to outpatient preventive treatment following discharge from an acute care site /ER  due to recent transient ischemic attack (TIA). Patients who have had a non-disabling stroke and have been discharged from hospital are also seen for medical optimization.

Location: St. Paul's Hospital - RASC location – 5^th Floor Burrard
Website: https://www.providencehealthcare.org/rapid-access-specialist-clinic 

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

• Must be referred by a physician.
• Patients are seen for recent stroke or TIA symptoms.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

• Stable patients with a history of stroke should not be seen in this clinic
• Non-urgent referrals

For more information access: www.strokebestpractices.ca