Controversial MS therapy given to N.L woman

A western Labrador woman who travelled to Poland for a controversial multiple sclerosis treatment not available in Canada believes she made the right decision.

Maureen Ayles, of Labrador City, flew to Europe last monthfor an experimental procedure developed by an Italian vascular surgeon, Dr. Paolo Zamboni.

She paid $15,000 Cdn for the 45-minute procedure to open blood vessels in her neck and hopefully increase blood flow to her brain.

On Tuesday, she told CBC News that it was well worth the cost.

"I can put my hands over my head, something I haven't done in years. I could have a shower. Not only wash my hair, but I could dry my hair with a hair dryer I haven't done that in four years," she said.

Ayles said MS, a degenerative nerve disease, is taking away her sense of balance, making everyday tasks, such as walking, more difficult.

She learned about the experimental Zamboni procedure while researching her condition.

"I lived on the internet, basically. On Facebook at the This is MS forum and on YouTube where I could find any information," said Ayles.

Zamboni has suggested there is a link between MS and a condition known as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI).

He believes CCSVI could be a cause of MS, and reported that a procedure to alleviate CCSVI has reduced the symptoms of people with multiple sclerosis.

Canadian society to fund research

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada has reacted to Zamboni's research with caution.

The society describes CCSVI as "a hypothetical disruption of blood flow in which the venous system is not able to efficiently remove blood from the central nervous system, resulting in increased pressure in the veins of the brain and spinal cord, which in turn results in damage to these areas."

It is thought the disruption is related to a narrowing of small venous structures in the neck, chest and spine, the society's website said.

Zamboni has revived the idea that this disruption in blood flow and drainage is present in people with MS, and devised an angioplasty-like procedure that involves removing the blockage in the veins that carry blood to and from the brain.

So far, he has performed the surgery, known as "la liberation" in Italian, on more than 120 MS patients, including his wife, whose condition provoked his interest in tackling the disease.

Last fall, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada announced it will fund research into the link between MS and CCSVI.

Its officials said the decision to fund the research was spurred by the overwhelming interest among Canadian patients in Zamboni's research.