Immunotherapy in Neurology (SPIN) Clinic

Location

Room 2359, Providence Building, St. Paul's Hospital

This clinic is located in the Neurology Department. If you need help locating us, please ask one of our hospital volunteers to direct you.

About this clinic

The St. Paul's Immunotherapy in Neurology (SPIN) clinic provides diagnosis and ongoing treatment for patients with autoimmune disorders affecting the nerves and muscles. This first in BC clinic offers multidisciplinary care and aims to unify the treatment of inflammatory disorders of the muscle, nerve and brain.

Autoimmune neuromuscular diseases are caused by an overactive immune system that attacks the muscles or nerves. These diseases are rare but can be debilitating. 

Symptoms include numbness in limbs and burning sensations in the nerves. Many patients develop muscle weakness that leaves them unable to climb stairs, participate in sports or even walk. In more severe case, the muscle weakness affects the throat and the person has difficulty breathing or swallowing.

The SPIN Clinic is also home to the Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIg) program for neuro-immunotherapy at St. Paul's Hospital (SPH). We run the centre in coordination with the Medical Short Stay Unit (MSSU) and a Neuromuscular Nurse.

Advances in treatments are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make for yourself in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this area so please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.

By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about advancing health outcomes and find better ways to help people live and thrive. While you cannot assume benefit to yourself, your participation can make a difference in improving care for future patients.

The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information or contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.

Referral Criteria

Family physicians or specialists may refer patients with autoimmune disorders of the peripheral nervous system. Conditions include:

• Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Multifocal Motor Neuropathy with Conduction Block
• Autoimmune Plexopathy (Brachial Neuritis)
• Vasculitis, ganglionopathy, and other autoimmune conditions affecting the PNS
• Undiagnosed patients with suspected autoimmune process 

Patients may be referred to the PHC SCIg Program under specific circumstances:

• Existing patients at the MSSU
• Patients referred by other neuromuscular neurologists within the PHC catchment