What Is CCSVI?

Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) is a newly documented
vascular condition that may profoundly change the way we think about

multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a condition where people have obstructed

blood flow in the veins that drain the central nervous system - the

brain and spinal cord. Early reports and research suggest that CCSVI

may be significantly correlated with MS, and Dr. Ziv Haskal's experience

treating patients thus far is equally encouraging.

As a result of these venous abnormalities, the blood flow rate through the central
nervous system back toward the heart may become slowed, and blood may

reflux back toward the brain and spine. This reduction of blood flow

is the source of iron deposits in the brain of MS patients which are

known to cause cell death, inflammation and immune problems.

Recently, researchers have investigated the use of angioplasty in MS patients for
the relief of MS symptoms. What if we can restore the blood flow from

the brain? Would that decrease the symptoms of MS? How long would the

relief of symptoms last? Can we do this non-invasively with virtually no

recovery time?

At the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Ziv Haskal, together with Neurology co-investigators, will
aim to answer these questions. His research will attempt to confirm

the link between CCSVI and MS as well as define the effective treatment,

standards, and reproducible procedures.

Gifts from supportive donors and grateful patients are vital to ensure the continuation of Dr.
Haskal’s CCSVI research which promises to revolutionize the treatment

of MS. The need for financial support for this effort is acute to

cover the costs of sophisticated equipment, to provide seed funding for

the best and brightest junior investigators, and to enhance the

laboratory facilities to provide state-of-the-art research space and

instrumentation.

Please consider a gift of any amount to help Dr. Haskal advance our knowledge about CCSVI and its link to MS, and to
help find better and more effective treatments for patients suffering

from the devastating effects of MS.

http://medschool.umaryland.edu/development/research.asp