We're hiring ! Join us and make a difference in our hospitals
Multiple Sclerosis Clinic
Contact the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic
Would you like to ask a question, request an opinion, refer a patient or make an appointment?
Contact our medical secretariat
By telephone on +32 (0)2 555 33 57
By email at SecMed [dot] Neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (SecMed[dot]Neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)
Image
The mission of the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic
The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Clinic at Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B) is dedicated to supporting patients with MS throughout their lives. Our aim: to provide personalised care based on a high level of expertise, cutting-edge technologies and a strong commitment to research.
We are committed to:
- Ensuring rapid and accurate diagnosis
- Offering the most innovative treatments available
- Coordinating comprehensive, compassionate follow-up care tailored to each patient’s specific needs
- Supporting families and informal carers
- Actively contributing to awareness-raising, training and the advancement of knowledge about MS
Image
Our healthcare services
We provide comprehensive care structured around the patient’s needs:
Early and accurate diagnosis
- High-resolution MRI imaging
- Use of specific biomarkers
- Multidisciplinary consultations for a comprehensive assessment
Innovative treatments
- Access to the latest disease-modifying treatments (biological therapies, DMTs)
- Close monitoring to adapt treatments according to disease progression
- Participation in national and international clinical trials
Personalised care
- Development of individualised care plans
- Follow-up in collaboration with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, urologists, ophthalmologists, etc.
- Psychological support for patients and their loved ones
Long-term follow-up
- Regular and proactive monitoring of the disease
- Centralised medical records for seamless follow-up
- Support through the major stages of life: adolescence, maternity, retirement...
Paediatric care
For patients under 18, specialised paediatric care is provided at the Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital (HUDERF). This care takes into account the specific features of the condition, particularly from a clinical perspective, as well as therapeutic aspects and follow-up.
We also address the specific needs of a developing child, with particular attention paid to schooling, sports and extracurricular activities, as well as emotional and psychological aspects.
This care, unique in French-speaking Belgium, helps us to better respect the child’s pace, their maturity in relation to care, and the expectations of children and their families.
A multidisciplinary paediatric team is established around the child, including neuropsychologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, as well as the physical medicine and rehabilitation, dermatology, radiology, cardiology and ophthalmology teams.
We offer a smooth transition to adult medicine, respecting the child’s pace, with joint follow-up by the paediatric and adult teams. This allows the child and their family to become familiar with this new stage of their care. This transition enables the young person and their family to discover a new medical environment with complete peace of mind, while ensuring continuity of care and treatment. |
Our specialists at HUDERF
- Dr Audrey Van Hecke – Paediatric neurologist (coordinating physician)
- Simon Baijot – Neuropsychologist
- Dr Lhoir – Ophthalmologist
- Dr Slegers – Cardiologist
- Dr El Nemnom – Dermatologist
- Dr Preziosi – Radiologist
- Dr Lombardo – Physical medicine
- Ms El Khaldi – Hospitalisation reference nurse
Contact the Neuropaediatrics Department at HUDERF
- By telephone: +32 (0)2 477 31 44
- By email: neuro [dot] huderf [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (neuro[dot]huderf[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)
Image
Image
Our team of specialists
The Multiple Sclerosis Clinic is affiliated with the H.U.B. Neurology Department. It brings together a highly specialised multidisciplinary team, coordinated around neurologists who are MS experts (“MS” stands for “Multiple Sclerosis”):
- Neurologists specialising in Multiple Sclerosis (MS Experts)
- Dr Sophie ELANDS (FR, NL, EN)
- Dr Serena BORRELLI (FR, EN, IT)
- Dr Antonia CECCARELLI
- Rehabilitation physicians
- Dr Pierre CABARAUX
- Dr Johanne GARBUSINSKI
- Dedicated MS nurses
- Paulina MARQUES SA OLIVEIRA
- Physiotherapists and occupational therapists
- Ms Francesca LOSURDO – Physiotherapist
- Clinical psychologists
- Social workers
- Research team
- Ms Fabienne DEVEYLDER – Research coordinator
- Ms Christiane KITOKO – Research coordinator
- Ms Sarah EL HAJJ – Research coordinator
As well as other healthcare professionals specialising in associated disorders
They all share the same philosophy: listening, expertise and personalised support.
The departments we work with
To ensure comprehensive care, we work closely with:
- The Functional Rehabilitation Department
- The Psychology and Psychiatry Department
- Specialist departments in Urology, Ophthalmology, Rheumatology, Gynaecology, etc.
- Neuroimaging and clinical biology units
- Clinical research centres
This synergy enables a smooth and coherent care pathway throughout the illness. In addition, thanks to the complementarity of the hospital institutions that make up H.U.B, the teams at HUDERF and Erasme Hospital facilitate patients’ transition from paediatric to adult care.
Useful resources for patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and their loved ones
Whether you have already been diagnosed or suspect that you may have Multiple Sclerose, we are here to support you and provide information every step of the way. That is why we offer a series of resources (produced by doctors, researchers, patient associations and public health stakeholders) that will, on the one hand, help you better understand and manage the disease and, on the other, enable you to identify support groups with which you can share experiences.
FAQ on Multiple Sclerosis
FAQ on Multiple Sclerosis
-
1. What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, a substance that surrounds and protects nerve fibres. This damage disrupts the transmission of nerve signals, causing various neurological symptoms.
-
2. Is Multiple Sclerosis a serious disease?
Multiple sclerosis can progress unpredictably, but many people live with this disease for many years. Thanks to modern treatments, relapses can now be better controlled and progression slowed.
-
3. How is Multiple Sclerosis diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based on several elements: a neurological examination, an MRI scan of the brain and spinal cord, and sometimes a lumbar puncture. At the clinic, we use state-of-the-art tools to establish a rapid and reliable diagnosis.
-
4. What are the most common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?
The most common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are: fatigue, vision problems, numbness, balance or coordination problems, and urinary problems. These symptoms may occur in episodes (relapses) or more continuously.
-
5. Is there a treatment for Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) cannot yet be cured, but highly effective disease-modifying treatments are available to reduce relapses and slow the progression of the disease. The choice of treatment depends on the type of MS and your personal situation.
-
6. Can I continue working and lead a normal life with Multiple Sclerosis?
Yes, in many cases. Adjustments can be considered with your employer. An active social and professional life remains possible with appropriate follow-up.
-
7. Can I have a child if I have Multiple Sclerosis?
Yes. Pregnancy is possible and is often well tolerated. We provide specialised follow-up to support patients before, during and after pregnancy.
-
8. What are the types of Multiple Sclerosis?
There are mainly three types:
- Relapsing-remitting: relapses followed by periods of recovery
- Secondary progressive: a more continuous course after an initial relapsing phase
- Primary progressive: progression from the outset, without clear relapses
Your neurologist will explain which type of Multiple Sclerose (MS) applies to you and the appropriate management options.
-
9. Can I receive psychological support in case of multiple sclerosis?
Absolutely. Multiple Sclerose (MS) can have a significant emotional impact (stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation). Our team offers psychological support for patients and their loved ones.
-
10. What are my rights as a patient with Multiple Sclerose (MS)?
In Belgium, most care related to Multiple Sclerosis is covered by compulsory health insurance (INAMI) through your mutual health insurance fund. This includes:
- Medical consultations and examinations (MRI scans, blood tests, etc.)
- Disease-modifying treatments (subject to conditions, but often partially or fully reimbursed)
- Physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy sessions
- Mobility aids (subject to certain conditions)
- Support with applications for disability benefits or workplace adaptations
You may also be entitled to:
- Increased reimbursement if you are in a financially precarious situation
- A home care plan through home assistance and care services
- Specific allowances for people who are unable to work or have a disability
Our social worker will help you understand your options and complete the necessary formalities.