NPR aired a report on Morning Edition yesterday about CCSVI.  My first reaction was GREAT.  Any Publicity is Good Publicity.

I was sadly mistaken.

The report only discussed the Wheelchair Kamakzee and his experience with CCSVI.  ONE PATIENT.  One doctor.  No outside input other than reported "deaths" and use of "very dangerous" stents.

The two deaths were because of very different causes.  1 was from a stent issue.  The other was from a Canadian who passed  away after Canadian doctors refused to help him after he went outside the country for treatment.

The reporter did not speak to any other patients.  The story presented one point of view.  Dr. Zamboni was mentioned in passing, but not with any kind of deeper knowledge. 

I do listen to NPR. I have been a member of my local NPR station primarily because they can do long form reports presenting more complicated stories.

WRONG!  The report seemed to have been presented by the Neuros and Big Pharma group.  No mention of any success for anyone, just one patient who was very much in the secondary portion of Multiple Sclerosis.  I am sorry the treatment did not help him.  The focus was on his inability to walk.  I understand that tragedy.  But I hoped the report would be balanced and offer another side. 

The research could have been done on YOUTUBE.  No deep investigations were needed, just look beyond where you are being leg.  I am not asking for Woodward and Bernstien, but some common sense looking for answers.

To present a balanced blog, here is the link: http://www.npr.org/2011/01/31/133247319/doctor-challenges-cause-of-ms-and-treatment

i want the idea of CCSVI to be presented to the public square, but give the procedure a fair and balanced presentation.  Give another side, not this poor version of reporting done by NPR.