This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Randall Benson, MD, Medical Director of the Novi, MI-based Center for Neurological Studies (CNS), will present research before an international symposium on neurovascular disease on February 22 in Orlando, FL. Dr. Benson’s presentation will center on the role blood flow to the brain may impact such diseases as Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Zivadinov will provide opening remarks on chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and the hypothesis that the condition may be the result rather than a cause of MS.

Randall Benson(neuro)
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension:similarities and differences with CCSVI
Neuros think about veins only when putting in IV’s(LOL)
Learned the importance of veins through Dr Haacke
*Complimented Dr Hubbard’s BOLD work!

Compelling evidence that pseudo tumor has a relationship to CCSVI.
This disorder effects over weight females and the best tx is weight loss. Symptoms:
HA, tinnitus, visual problems
Signs: papilledema with loss of vision, major morbidity is visual loss , Normal appearing ventricular system, increased CSF pressure,tranverse sinus collapse
It’s idiopathic
CSF is produced in the ventricles filtered through the arachnoid granulations into the venous system.
Causes of intracranial hyupertension
High dose vit a, long term antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives, sleep apnea, SLE, chronic kidney disease.

Diagnosis may be suspected on the basis of the hx and exam, swollen optic nerve head,
Similarities with CCSVI
Focal stenosis in the dural sinus outflow have previously been demonstrated in 30-90%
*A study showed 94% resolution of papilledema with stenting.
the more acutely marginated stenosis have intralumial cause. Bilat stenosis at transverse sigmoid junction is a marker on imaging .

Dr. Randall Benson, a neurologist, discussed idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH): similarities &
differences with CCSVI. Hypertension has no known cause. Usually affects overweight females. One of the
best treatments is weight loss. It involves elevated intracranial pressure, increased CSF pressure. Tinnitus,
Eye pain, and TVO are unique symptoms. No known cause, but maybe sleep apnea, kidney disease,
systemic lupus are involved. Diagnosis involves swollen optic nerve head, can also do imaging or spinal tap.
Similarities with CCSVI include stenosis in the transverse and sigmoid sinuses. Recent study showed 18/18
IIH patients had venous outflow compromise. Stenting has helped patients. Papilledema resolved in 15/16
patients and has not recurred. Not sure if it is cause or effect of IIH.

...could weight loss be good for CCSVI?

And does the FDA know about the venous stenting for patients with IIH? You never know, they might want to release an alert !!