| | | | To improve the quality of life for those affected by MS through a collaborative network of independent MS organizations. | The Multiple Sclerosis Coalition's mission is to increase opportunities for cooperation and provide greater opportunity to leverage the effective use of resources for the benefit of the MS community. | | | | |
| | | Dear MS Caucus Member:
You may be hearing from some individuals with multiple sclerosis who are seeking federal funds to support research into a condition known as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency or CCSVI, which is a reported abnormality in blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord that may contribute to nervous system damage in MS. This hypothesis, which revisited a similar theory of several decades ago that MS may be at its core a vascular not a neurological disease, has been put forth by Dr. Paulo Zamboni from the University of Ferrara in Italy in a study originally published in a peer reviewed journal in June 2009.
The study also proposed that CCSVI may be corrected through endovascular surgery. This surgery is being called "liberation therapy" in some reports. Based on the results of his preliminary 2009 findings, Dr. Zamboni stated that this pilot study warranted subsequent larger and better controlled studies to definitively evaluate the possible impact of CCSVI on the disease process in MS.
Studies are, in fact, underway internationally in an effort to replicate Dr. Zamboni's results. These studies are producing conflicting results which have prompted impassioned debates pro and con as to what the possible relationship might be between CCSVI and MS disease process or even whether the condition described as CCSVI actually exists.
In its commitment to pursue all promising leads that could help stop MS, reverse its damage or end the disease forever, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society established its Rapid Response Fund and expedited a strategic research program to examine this CCSVI hypothesis. I am also attaching a 'white paper' on CCSVI activity for additional background.
The Society is pleased to be a part of research which is advancing understanding of CCSVI and believes that a spirited exchange of ideas between the research community and the people living with MS is important to this goal. Should you have any questions about CCSVI, please feel free to contact us.
Ted Thompson, JD
Vice President of Federal Government Relations
National MS Society
1100 New York Ave NW, Suite 660E
Washington, DC 20005
P: 202.408.9484 C: 651.983.5607
MS Blog: http://msactivist.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @MSActivist
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