Canadian study debunks vein theory
A study published Tuesday in the medical journal the Lancet, reveals that the narrowing of neck veins is an unlikely cause of multiple sclerosis.
“Using the best methods available, we were unable to confirm Dr. Zamboni's theory that MS is caused by CCSVI and our conclusion is that the narrowing of neck veins is common and a normal finding in most people,” said Dr. Anthony Traboulsee of the University of British Columbia, the study's lead researcher.
They began looking at the theory originally published by Dr. Paolo Zamboni in 2009 that claimed MS happens when narrowing of veins from the brain causes blockages. The suggested treatment was that people could be treated by angioplasty to widen the veins, the so-called liberation procedure.
“We are very sensitive and we realize that for many people with MS, this will be a great disappointment as many people were hoping that this was a breakthrough,” Traboulsee said.