This first post for the Happy News is written by Shannon. It is a message of of innovation and hope.

This past weekend, North America was introduced to Dr. Paolo Zamboni, a professor at the University of Ferrara in northern Italy.  In recent months, he has caused quite a stir in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) community with the introduction of his findings among a small trial group of MS patients in Italy.

He has discovered that Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI), a narrowing of the veins in the neck and chest, is prevalent in MS patients.  CCSVI causes insufficient blood drainage from the brain which results in iron deposits in the brain and spinal cord.

The treatment, aptly named “the Liberation Treatment” involves a relatively minor procedure, a balloon angioplasty or the placement of a stent to open up the affected vein(s) to allow for proper blood flow.  And while he doesn’t claim that it is a cure for MS, it has been proven effective in the treatment of that small trial group.  And an effective treatment is much more than what is available now.

There are still some hurdles to overcome, some scepticism that comes with all groundbreaking ideas that go against popular belief – but overall, the reaction has been promising.  Two facilities in Canada (University of British Columbia and McMaster University [neat videos here] ) are embarking on trial studies, as are facilities south of the border.

This promising new treatment has given a new found sense of hope to those affected by MS – there are only so many times we can hear the words “We are getting closer to finding a cure.”  Even with the challenges still being faced by Dr. Zamboni, he has managed to breathe new life into all of us.  It is amazing what this glimmer can do – and every step towards that light of hope is a step in the right direction.

For more information on CCSVI, the articles and videos from W5 would be a good place to start.

Here is an interview with someone that has undergone the ccsvi treatment.