Source: University of Buffalo; BBC Health
Scientists at the University of Buffalo (NY) are currently testing a new theory that Multiple Sclerosis (MS) might be caused by blockage in the veins which drain from the brain into the central nervous system.
The theory of “chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency” is in stark contrast to the long-held medical “understanding” that MS is an inflammatory response of the immune system. (Why the body couldn’t mount a similar response to either I don’t know, but then I only play a doctor on television). For the naysayers out there (I distinctly heard a “nay”) bear in mind that peptic ulcer disease was once attributed solely to stress and is now known to have a bacterial cause in 80% of cases. The “cure” if there is one would be angioplasty to unblock the veins to restore blood flow as is done with coronary arteries of the heart. (Yes, as opposed to coronary arteries of the foot).
The theory was advanced by Dr. Paolo Zamboni (Necessary chuckle from the hockey fans) and could radically change MS treatment as we currently know it.
~Posted by David Marc Schwadron, Esquire