An Update from CCSVI Australia

CCSVI was a contentious topic of debate within the MS community throughout 2013, and we have worked hard to provide balanced, unbiased coverage of the discussion.

In line with this approach, we thank Kerri at CCSVI AUSTRALIA for the below update on developments in Australia.

Venous abnormalities (referred to as Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency, CCSVI) and their relationship to MS continue to be researched across the globe. Currently there are conflicting study results. Some researchers are unable to diagnose people with CCSVI, some find it in almost all people with MS and one study suggests that CCSVI is present in MS and non MS people alike. It is suspected that inconsistent diagnostic methodology is to blame. Despite the lack of consensus, over 750 Australians with MS have been treated for venous abnormalities with varying results since 2010. Whilst results are considered ‘anecdotal’ by Neurologists, it does not diminish the experience of hundreds of people who have had several years benefit from improving the blood flow through their brains.

The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne is now entering its second year of a double-blinded clinically-controlled trial of Angioplasty treatment for CCSVI. There is funding for the first 30 participants and all have now been enrolled. This is enough to indicate some trends of CCSVI in MS but a study of 160 people is required to give statistically significant results. This month the Alfred will make an application to the NHMRC for the remaining funds, approximately $350,000.

CCSVI Australia, led predominately by people with MS, continue to raise financial support for research, promote awareness of the vascular connections to MS and lobby for treatments to be available on Medicare (like it is for Australians without MS). The CCSVI Australia 2013 Annual Report has recently been released and you can read more on the definitions, history and future directions of CCSVI in Australia.

http://ccsviaustralia.com.au/ccsvi-australia-annual-report-june-2013/