MS Australia - QLD is a client support organisation working under the national banner of MS Australia. Our primary objective is to provide assistance and support to help make life easier for people living with MS. This is a common goal we share with people with MS, and for their benefit. We recognise the important role that research plays as part of this, and facilitate MS studies through MS Research Australia (MSRA), the research arm of MS Australia.
MS Australia recently recognised a need within the community to know more about Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI), involving impaired drainage in the brain and spinal cord.
A study conducted in Italy in 2009 has introduced a possible connection between MS and CCSVI. This issue and whether there is a relationship to the cause or treatment of multiple sclerosis has been the focus of significant attention throughout the world since then. As a result, many clients and stakeholders of MS Australia, including people with MS and their families, are looking to our organisation for guidance.
Since the issue arose, we have been working with MSRA to assess and analyse the global data on CCSVI therapy. Recently MSRA has funded a CCSVI study at the Austin Hospital (in Melbourne), where patients are being tested for venous obstruction. Other funds have been earmarked and we are currently encouraging further Australian research and liaising with MS Societies overseas to complement the world-wide effort to better understand this issue.
As more evidence becomes available, we intend to work with leading expert neurologists, vascular surgeons, radiologists, other medical professionals, people with MS, MSRA and the CCSVI community group to find out more and communicate relevant findings.
While we support new treatments which may improve outcomes for people living with MS, we only do so after those treatments have been subjected to rigorous scientific testing and review.
On the basis of the current evidence, we do not recommend that people living with MS seek CCSVI treatment outside controlled tests. However, as with all forms of treatment*, it is a matter to be discussed on an individual basis between the patient and their specialist.
If CCSVI treatment is being considered it’s important to note:
• People living with MS should communicate with their doctor, neurologist and family members before deciding to undergo CCSVI treatment.
• If the patient and their specialist do decide that CCSVI is appropriate for them, it is recommended that procedures be performed in Australian hospitals where ongoing care can be provided
For more information, please refer to CCSVI: Your questions answered, which appears on the MS Australia - QLD website.
Disclaimer: MS Australia - QLD cannot recommend any specific disease treatments for people living with MS. The choice of therapy to treat the disease is a matter to be discussed with a specialist healthcare professional.
