This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

To explore CCSVI scientifically and provide professional medical care the CCSVI-Center in Frankfurt has assembled a team of Neurologists, diagnostic and interventional Radiologists and Cardiologists for the diagnostic work-up and treatment of patients with CCSVI.

Over the past 12 months we have successfully treated well over 100 patients, without complications.

We have also established international collaborations with research institutions also interested in CCSVI, most notably Prof. Zamboni himself and Profs. Kim and Kabutei from Boston University School of Medicine in the US and are in correspondence with other researchers such as Prof. Haacke.

A preliminary publication of our experience with CCSVI appeared at the RSNA (Radiological Society of North America) meeting in Chicago 2010. We are currently evaluating our data of more than 100 patients for publication and are in the process of setting up a randomized trial of endovascular treatment of CCSVI.

Scientific Evidence versus Ethical Obligation:

CCSVI is an unproven theory and much criticised by Neurologist world-wide. “It is very dangerous and all placebo” the Neurologists say.

We do not agree: As for safety, we have not seen and dangerous complications. But: any kind of medical treatment will cause side effects to some extent, even pharmacotherapy of MS. And for placebo: Well, we do not know for sure until the results from well designed randomised trials are available. But placebo effects usually do not occur in almost all treated patients. And they do not last for as long as a whole year.

In synopsis of the overall safety record of CCSVI treatment and our own experience with patients, particularly in view of the impressive improvements treated patients have experienced, we consider it unethical to withhold this treatment from those patients who are aware of and willing to accept its experimental nature.

Well, we do not know for sure until the results from well designed randomised trials are available. But placebo effects usually do not occur in almost all treated patients. And they do not last for as long as a whole year.

These findings suggest that the medical ritual of a device can deliver an enhanced placebo effect beyond that of a placebo pill.

5. Placebo Effect Can Last For Years[/b]
The brain’s power to make people feel better can last for years.

The 2-year study, conducted at 28 centers in Canada, involved 613 patients who were given either the drug Proscar (finasteride) or a placebo. Doctors found that the 303 men on the placebo pills really were doing better, even though their prostates had grown, on average, by 8.4%. Although an enlarged prostate can impede urine flow, urine flow was improved for the men taking the placebo. Some participants, continuing to do very well on placebo, didn’t want to stop taking the pills.

The placebo effect can last for a long time if the three necessary elements are maintained:

* beliefs and expectations of patients
* beliefs and expectations of doctors
* a good relationship between them

CCSVI is an unproven theory and much criticised by Neurologist world-wide. “It is very dangerous and all placebo” the Neurologists say.

No disrespect to anyone, but I find it pretty interesting that after 2-1/2 years of the big announcement of Dr. Zamboni's discovery, there is still such disagreement across the board about the importance and significance of CCSVI with respect to MS. There is still no compelling evidence that is strong enough to fully make the case.

--Tracy

They really want us to believe 90% of people experienced an improvement in motor/sensory issues?????? There was another trial posted today from amends and only 56% of people reported improvements in mobilty issues.

Authors' conclusions
We did not find that placebo interventions have important clinical effects in general. However, in certain settings placebo interventions can influence patient-reported outcomes, especially pain and nausea, though it is difficult to distinguish patient-reported effects of placebo from biased reporting. The effect on pain varied, even among trials with low risk of bias, from negligible to clinically important. Variations in the effect of placebo were partly explained by variations in how trials were conducted and how patients were informed.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/o/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD003974/frame.html

in reality .... to understand CCSVI and it's suggested link to MS .... it is necessary to follow the story with relentless determination ..... as so much happens .... so quickly . Many important developments have gotten past my vigilant eyes . Fortunatley , our Cece has been there to rescue me from ignorance .

I can't express how pleased I am to be considered to hold opposite opinions ... as posted by scorpion . I am a glass-is-half -full person.

But most of all ..... let us all relish the positive results of those fortunate enough to have obtained and benefitted from CCSVI treatment.

And not act as the fox ........



Mr. Success

I posted a report from a reputable CCSVI testing and treating facility in Frankfurt, Germany, which is finding similar results to that of Dr. Zamboni.

We have many international members, like Thekla, and for those that are interested in testing, follow-up or treatment for CCSVI, here's the news from Frankfurt. For those who are not interested, there are 20 other forums to visit on TIMS.
have a great weekend, and happy summer!
cheer

For those who are not interested, there are 20 other forums to visit on TIMS.
have a great weekend, and happy summer!