New research study into the possible causes of Multiple Sclerosis

The results from a research study currently underway by a team of neurologists at the University of Buffalo could have far-reaching effects on what we know as the causes of Multiple Sclerosis. As part of this study, the researchers will look at the possibility of a condition called Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (also known as CCSVI), as one of the possible causes for the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. CCSVI, is a condition in which the primary veins outside skull begin to narrow.

The changes to the blood flow patterns that stem from restricting the regular blood flow from the brain can eventually injure the brain tissue and gradually begin to degenerate the neurons.

“If we can prove our theory, that cerebrospinal venous insufficiency is the underlying cause of MS,” said Robert Zivadinov, M.D., Ph.D. principal investigator on the study, “it is going to change the face of how we understand MS.”

The study will have a participation of more than 1,600 adults and 100 children. The participants, including more than 1,100 patients, are those who have a diagnosis of either definite or possible Multiple Sclerosis. The enrollment drive for the study has begun and will last for two years. Any MS patient across the United States is eligible for participation.

Every subject of the study will have a general clinical examination with head and neck Doppler scans to study the directions of the venous blood flow based on various postures. The subjects will fill out a questionnaire to rule out the possibility of environmental causes for their conditions.