Study proposal

[1eye]

In the film "The Usual Suspects" there is a scene where Kevin Spacey goes through a miraculous transition from a foot-dragging limp to a natural, normal gait. I believe most actors (especially after seeing the film) are capable of this deception, which involves simulating foot-drop.

Would there be anything wrong with a study wherein the doctors themselves were the subjects?

There could be four cohorts. Groups A and B have been diagnosed as having clinically definite "MS'. Group A, composed of persons who have no, or mild, discernible disability. Group B would have definite disability, some with foot drop, some walking with a pronounced limp, some with walkers, some with wheelchairs, some walking slowly and other faster but not normal speed. Group A could have mild cases, or be in remission. Group B would be composed of progressive cases, primary or secondary.

Groups C and D would be composed of actors, pretending to have the same problems as members of groups A and B.

Without being informed of the group membership, neurologists would be asked to assess every subject. All would have been given reports from their diagnoses, and have radiology reports
which document their cases, both real and fake.

CCSVI doctors with Zamboni training would also be asked to assess every subject, with ultrasound and/or MRV and/or venography, but no angioplasty would be given.

The results would show how many of the actors would be given CCSVI diagnoses, and how many actors would have neurology and/or MRI reports that agree with their fake diagnoses. They may also show whether, or how many, symptomatic "MS" patients are assessed as being free of CCSVI, by interventionalists, or in any kind of remission from their "MS", by neurologists.

Other means of maintaining the deception could be used, such as having the actors attend neurological examinations and CCSVI tests, to see what is involved, and how the examinations proceed.

Any MRI testing ordered by neurologists would be really carried out.

[CuriousRobot]

Study proposal proposing what? What is your hypothesis?

[1eye]

Never mind.

[Cece]

Studying the neurologists is not a bad idea. Maybe prescribe some oxytocin to the worst of the worst and see if their hearts warm up? I forget the name of the Canadian neurologist that everyone was hating on back in the early days.

[CureOrBust]

Maybe prescribe some oxytocin to the worst of the worst and see if their hearts warm up?

You chose a bad example for your humor.. http://www.thisisms.com/forum/general-d ... tml#p53324...imagine an MS treatment that actually made you "feel" better ... but I digress...

[Cece]

Interesting, Cure! Why hasn't anyone followed up on that!

[Anonymoose]

I should probably find a more recent and definitive study but too much of a pain on my phone. This will have to do.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v1 ... 182a0.html

Besides showing that oxytocin affects the output of electrolytes by a mechanism different from renin, these experiments would appear to support the assumption that oxytocin enhances the elimination of sodium by counteracting the effect of aldosterone.

That said, I was hyper-induced on oxytocin/pitocin...Labor.From.Hell. I will NEVER let that stuff near me again!! Try clonidine. ;)

[CureOrBust]

Interesting, Cure! Why hasn't anyone followed up on that!

Sorry I tried, but had problems finding a compounding pharmacy that could create / supply it. Oh.. you mean the medical community...

Same reason there are no full studies on LDN I would guess. $$$$$