The National MS Society announced the recipients of 7 grants focusing on the role of CCSVI (Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency) in MS totaling $2.4 million. Over the weekend, I've read conflicting opinions from MS patients as to the implications of the studies which received these grant commitments, both negative and positive.
Rather than give a rundown of the situation, I'd like to send you over to read the latest post by Marc (The Wheelchair Kamikaze), a man who has an elegant way of expression and knack for getting to the heart of the matter. I was working on collecting my thoughts, then found Marc's post in my feedreader.
Keep in mind that CCSVI as it stands now is a theory. A theory is simply a hypothesis, tentative in nature. A hypothesis must be falsifiable in order to be considered scientific. That something is "falsifiable" does not mean that it is false. It means that IF it is false, that can be shown by observation or experimentation.
An attempt to disprove a theory does not necessitate that the one conducting the experiment believes the theory to be false or worthless. It is simply a part of the scientific process. And in science, especially in medicine, theories must be validated and experiments replicated.
While some patients are feeling impatient with the need to adhere to the scientific process, I will remain neutral and observe the responses reported by patients who have had the CCSVI "liberation" procedure. There are negative, positive, and even neutral stories to be found on the web of those who have undergone either angioplasty or stenting.
The wait will be a long one, but I will eagerly look forward to the early reports from these 7 researchers and their teams. In the meantime, sign-up to attend the live webcast "What's new in MS research and treatment" which will include an international overview of CCSVI among other topics.
I think what is exciting right now, is the fact that there is actually research being conducted!
ReplyDeleteKaren, absolutely!
ReplyDeleteAs usual, very well said, Lisa. I'm with Karen too.
ReplyDeleteLisa, well put. Research is important and we are wrong to rush it.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa
ReplyDeleteYou have a very interesting blog. It’s amazing how people who have MS cope with it beautifully. I have a friend who’s having a very bad time and it’s painful to watch her. I’ve heard of the Liberation procedure and like you said, there’s a mix of responses towards it, even though so far it seems to have shown some good effects on patients. But anything that can give us some hope is good I guess. Let’s see what the studies show! Do keep posting and take care.