New paper: Blood flow measurements in MS look very similar to normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). This slowed venous outflow creates a diversion of blood from the venous sinus into collateral pathways--increasing pressure on the brain and causing pulse waves, which in turn open endothelial barriors, weakening the walls of capillary vessels. Dr. Juurlink has published on this mechanism--and has hypothesized that MS is related to "pulse wave encephalopathy."
I first heard about NPH at the inaugural CCSVI conference in 2009 in Bologna. Dr. Elliot Frohman commented that CCSVI reminded him of NPH. As he is a neurologist, he had treated patients by diverting excess CSF, and saw their lesions disappear and brains heal. But he never explored the connection any further. Seven years later, experts in NPH actually look at pwMS, and find that, yes---"the pulse wave encephalopathy which ensues could account for some of the chronic symptoms of MS and treatments aimed at altering the pulse wave propagation should be investigated." Exactly what venoplasty for CCSVI does.... more posts on NPH coming. Joan