ConclusionThis is valuable research that builds on what is known about the physiological changes that occur in the venous system draining the brain and spinal cord in people with MS. The findings also indicate that there are differences in the venous abnormities in people with the four different disease courses of MS. This suggests that the venous obstruction and its location may have a role in determining the clinical course of MS.
The two principal limitations of these findings are:
The venous abnormalities were examined at one point in time in people who already had clinical MS. As such, it is not possible to say whether these abnormalities are a cause of MS or are part of the physiological changes in the central nervous venous system that result from MS. It is also possible, as the researchers suggest, that the venous changes could be a side effect of the drugs used in MS. The study involved a relatively small number of people with MS (and, therefore, even smaller numbers of people with each disease course). To establish a firmer association between MS and cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, and how this differs in each disease course, larger samples need to be examined. Although this study has found an association between MS and abnormalities in venous drainage from the brain and spinal cord, it is unclear whether these are a cause or a consequence of disease. More research is needed.
1. "what is known about the physiological changes that occur in the venous system" is a very misleading statement. All that has been studied is the BRAIN. Dr. Zamboni was the first to study the venous system. Researchers have noted slowed perfusion, lower CSF levels, hypoxic and gray matter injury and lesions along the veins in the brain, BUT THEY HAVE NEVER STUDIED THE VENOUS SYSTEM in relation to MS, ever. They never left the brain. Tsk, Tsk, NHS.
2."it is also possible, as the researchers suggest, that the venous changes could be a side effect of the drugs used in MS."
This point was clearly refuted in Dr. Zamboni's research. He clearly states that the venous stenosis and reflux was noted in ALL MS PATIENTS, whether or not they were on immune modulating medication. Tsk, tsk, NHS.
3."More research is needed" GOOD, we agree! This obviously means you will be funding research! Thank you, NHS!
Dear citizens of the UK...your mighty health program has spoken. Might I suggest contacting them with these points? Please do add your own. I'm just a loud mouth gal from across the pond....but these guys need some CCSVI learnin'-