This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

On Thursday, August 26 the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) held a special meeting to address MS research issues, including CCSVI.

Dr. Alain Beaudet, President of CIHR is a neurologist, so I don't know how that will affect all of this. Hopefully, the vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists will have a prominent role. Unfortunately, interventional radiologists are not mentioned as one of the specialities involved.

Here is a statement released by the CIHR President.

OTTAWA - August 26, 2010 - Today, CIHR convened a meeting of top researchers in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, to identify priorities for Canada that will accelerate research and innovation on MS, with a focus on potential links between neurovascular issues and MS. Participants included clinical researchers representing a range of specialities, including neuroimaging, cardiovascular, immunology, neurosurgery, vascular surgery, pathology and neurology. The objectives for the meeting were to undertake:
• a review of evidence, current international efforts and knowledge gaps related to etiology and treatment of MS, with special emphasis on neurovascular issues, including but not limited to, chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI);
• a review of past, current and proposed international clinical trials related to the diagnosis and treatments;
• the identification of clinical research priorities; and
• a discussion on Canada's relevant research strengths and capacity to contribute to new knowledge and innovative approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of MS.
In my capacity as President of CIHR, the Minister of Health, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, requested that I consult with international and Canadian scientific experts in this field and subsequently provide her with my advice on the research priorities for Canada.
Today's meeting was an excellent and productive one, which provided me with valuable input and insights that will be important as I formulate my final advice to the Minister of Health. Over the coming days, I will provide a summary of today's discussions with my advice to the Minister informing her about future research priorities that should be pursued in the area of MS. The Minister will discuss this important issue with provincial and territorial health ministers at their upcoming meeting in September 2010.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants for their expertise and guidance, which were key in identifying research priorities to accelerate research on this devastating condition that affects thousands of Canadians.
Alain Beaudet, MD, PhD President Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Thanks so much for posting this, Blaze!

THEY HAVE TO STOP ASSUMING THAT THE MS SOCIETY REPRESENTS US !!!!

OTTAWA - August 26, 2010 - Today, CIHR convened a meeting of top researchers in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, to identify priorities for Canada that will accelerate research and innovation on MS,

I can't wait to find out who attended this meeting. I fear no one with any actual experience in performing the treatment was invited to present what they have learned.