A Deeper Look into the Neurological Syndrome Affecting Hundreds

A Deeper Look

Melissa Hawkes' life took a turn in March 2021. During a visit to a friend's house, she blacked out, only to wake up surrounded by worried faces. This was the first of many unsettling events that would mark the beginning of a mysterious illness affecting hundreds in New Brunswick.

Hawkes' initial symptoms were mild – intense fatigue and nausea. However, things quickly escalated. She suffered a second seizure in 2023, developed nerve damage in her wrist, and contracted necrotizing gingivitis. She is one of nearly 400 New Brunswick residents diagnosed with a "neurological syndrome of unknown cause," a baffling brain disease primarily affecting the Acadian Peninsula and Moncton areas.

Hawkes' fiancé, Sarah Nesbitt, also suffers from the illness. Their lives have been turned upside down by the unpredictable symptoms, which include memory problems, balance issues, behavioral changes, muscle spasms, and intense pain.

In 2022, the Health Department, under the Progressive Conservatives, concluded that there was no evidence of a cluster of cases. However, patients and Dr. Alier Marrero, the neurologist who first investigated the cases, disagreed. They argued that the investigation should remain open.

The Liberals, who campaigned on a promise to reopen the investigation, won the October election. The new government, led by Health Minister John Dornan, is now taking a closer look at the situation.

The number of patients has risen significantly since 2022, from fewer than 50 to over 400. This increase has prompted the government to delve deeper into the mystery.

"We have not yet been able to easily identify a common denominator for a treatment, and that's a real big challenge," said Dornan.

The government is collaborating with Dr. Marrero and the Public Health Agency of Canada to understand the cause of the illness. They are also exploring environmental factors, including potential links to the herbicide glyphosate.

Hawkes and Nesbitt, both patients of Dr. Marrero, are hopeful that the reopened investigation will lead to answers and effective treatment. They are also urging the government to act quickly, as the illness continues to impact their lives and the lives of hundreds of others.

Nesbitt, who has seen some improvement in her symptoms after making lifestyle changes, remains optimistic. "They are listening," she said of health officials. "We just need to now see the action.