Multiple Sclerosis - Research - Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency

Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency

In 2008, Italian vascular surgeon Paolo Zamboni reported research suggesting that MS involves a vascular disease process he referred to as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI, CCVI), in which veins from the brain are constricted. He found CCSVI in the majority of people with MS, performed a surgical procedure to correct it and claimed that 73% of people improved. Concern has been raised with Zamboni's research as it was neither blinded nor controlled and further studies have had variable results. This has raised serious objections to the hypothesis of CCSVI originating multiple sclerosis. The neurology community currently recommends not to use the proposed treatment unless its effectiveness is confirmed by controlled studies, the need for which has been recognized by the scientific bodies engaged in MS research.