This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

This study looked at 259 patients, 75% were not on DMD treatment. Patients were treated for CCSVI through the Hubbard registry and were self-referred to sites. Their MSIS and psychological scores were self-reported after treatment. There were no adverse affects or hospitalizations. 66% of those treated had overall improvement in physical abilities and MSIS scores at three months.

Part of this study was trying to understand why certain people, yet not all, benefit from treatment. In this study, women fared better than men, those with SPMS did less well than those with PPMS and RRMS. There was no difference in disease duration, in disability level, or age. Lifestyle, diet, exercise and supplements did make a difference in how patients did after treatment. Dr. Hubbard believes we need studies that combine lifestyle and aftercare as part of the equation in recovery.

Dr. Cooke would like his lab to study the endothelial cells in CCSVI. He would also like to create animal models of CCSVI beyond the mouse model. He has applied to all his previous sources to fund his research (like the NIH) He also applied to the MS Society, but this is the first time in his career he has been turned down. Controversy is keeping money away from this. We need funding to investigate this hypothesis.

research is being hindered.