There is a chance that surgery for MS can be a viable treatment. Surgery for Multiple Sclerosis was suggested due to the research performed by an Italian doctor who found a connection between CCSVI and the occurrence of MS. Dr Zamboni’s studies proved that CCSVI in Multiple Sclerosis patients is treatable and can relieve those patients of numerous symptoms. In the research in question, 65 patients underwent an operation to alleviate CCSVI and 73 percent of those, after treatment, no longer had MS symptoms after 2 years.
CCSVI is also called by its full name ‘chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency’. This illness is the result of the inability of the blood in both the brain and spine to flow back to the heart. When oxygen-depleted blood is left in the central nervous system, the patient’s condition can become chronic.
In order to diagnose CCSVI doctors take an ultrasound of the veins in various parts of the head and neck. This type of ultrasound is referred to as extracranial and transcranial Doppler sonography. To diagnose this ailment the doctors have a set of 5 criteria, of which only 2 must be present to diagnose CCSVI. The presence of deformed or narrow veins in the central nervous system generally cause reduced blood flow and often points to CCSVI.
Most patients experiencing MS symptoms are referred to a neurologist. However, the study of CCSVI means that recently, some patients are deciding to seek the aid of a vascular surgeon instead of a neurologist, in order to check for CCSVI.
Spasticity and Vascular Surgery for MS
At the present time there are only a few places that offer treatment for CCSVI in Multiple Sclerosis patients. The way the procedure to treat this condition works is by inflating a balloon inside the affected vein or veins. Another procedure involves inserting stents in narrow or deformed veins. The purpose of this possible new surgery for MS patients is to improve blood flow out of the brain and to the heart. While this procedure for CCSVI has not been approved as an official treatment, it does exist.
Before recommending surgery for MS symptoms, such as muscle spasms or tremors, doctors look at a few common factors. For example, they check whether or not the spasticity is painful or affects independence and personal care. They also check on what treatments have already taken place, and what might be the possible side effects. They also check if the patient is able to afford such care and overall judge if the benefits of the treatment will outweigh any risks that could occur. There are drugs used to treat spasticity, such as muscle relaxants, sleep medication, or a Botox injection into the affected muscle. Surgery for Multiple Sclerosis spasticity is often the last choice in treatment options.
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