Controversial Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Officially Ended in Canada

A study published in August of 2012 provided further proof that the controversial theory that claimed multiple sclerosis is caused by abnormalities in the veins of the neck is not credible. The findings have stirred up some criticism for the Canadian federal government, which had put both money and support into the neck vein theory, despite little evidence to link the veins with the debilitating autoimmune disease. "The debate in the scientific community was brief, swift, and is over," said David Hafler, chairman of the neurology department at the Yale School of Medicine. "The government has squandered precious resources not using peer-review, but instead using emotion and theologic belief and, I think, shame on the Canadian government for bowing into those pressures." The Canadian government had earmarked some $5.5 million for the study.

Originally, the idea that multiple sclerosis could be caused by abnormally narrow neck veins--called chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI)-- came about after Italian vascular surgeon Paolo Zamboni published findings showing that a group of MS patients all had the neck-vein problem, versus a healthy control group, which did not. He suggested that MS could be treated, and possibly cured, with a fairly simple vein-widening procedure.

The popularity of Dr. Zamboni's theory gained international attention, thanks to a strong social media campaign led by MS patients and supporters. Protests in Canada were organized to allow MS patients access to the endovascular procedure, and thousands of patients traveled overseas and paid out of pocket for the procedure, as well. Just last year, the Canadian government agreed to fund trials to determine the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.

The latest study was published in the journal Radiology and was based on research conducted in Italy. The researchers used MRI scans to investigate the neck veins of MS patients and healthy volunteers. They found 25 out of 39 MS patients and 14 out of 26 healthy volunteers had abnormal neck veins, meaning that the vein abnormalities had no impact on neurological function or disease progression.

Researchers in Newfoundland reported in June that patients who had received the vein widening procedure showed no improvement that was measurable. These findings came after the province spent roughly half a million dollars conducting research and trials. Sadly, at least two Canadian patients have died after receiving the vein widening treatment at private clinics. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warnings about the procedure after reports of several other deaths and injuries related to the procedure. Source: theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/new-study-challenges-controversial-multiple-sclerosis-treatment/article4490423/ theglobeandmail.com/news/national/tory-senators-quash-ms-treatment-bill/article5583317/ Image sources: theglobeandmail.com thestar.com ccsvi.no