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Welcome to CCSVI Alliance!

Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) is a recently documented vascular condition that may profoundly change the way we think about MS and other neurological diseases.

Compelling research over the past several years supports continued investigation into the link between CCSVI, MS, and other neurological diseases. This site addresses critical aspects of CCSVI, from theory to research to treatment, providing original analysis and discussion that should engage both newcomers and medical professionals alike.

For those just learning about CCSVI, we encourage you to begin in our Basics section for a pragmatic introduction to key aspects of CCSVI theory and treatment. For physicians, researchers, and patients looking for more sophisticated analysis, we hope you enjoy our Advanced Topics section, where all content has been reviewed and vetted by a world-class team of medical professionals whose expertise ranges from neurology to interventional radiology to imaging and physics. You can also find a searchable database of peer-reviewed research into CCSVI.

We understand, however, that patient and physician interests run beyond pure research and hard facts. Accordingly, we have provided a dedicated section on Patient Perspectives, including patient experiences during and after CCSVI treatment, and questions and answers for potential patients. Our Helping Yourself section summarizes practical approaches to maintaining vascular health, as well as tips for talking to physicians about CCSVI.

Visit our Facebook page for the latest information related to CCSVI and to connect with others interested in staying abreast of the news.

Our aim is to provide patients, caregivers, and medical professionals with a definitive resource for learning more about CCSVI - the science, the process, and the patient experience. As more research emerges, replacing mysteries with data and speculations with fact, we will be here, objective and clear. Opening veins, opening minds. Let's get started!

- CCSVI Alliance

Featured Content

Read Angelo's newest Patient Perspective about his MS and CCSVI treatment
Visit "Other Neurological Diseases" to learn about connections between CCSVI, blood flow, and other neurological diseases
Visit "CCSVI Treatment Aftercare" to learn how to help yourself after treatment, including questions to ask beforehand
Purchase CCSVI Alliance t-shirts and buttons to raise awareness of CCSVI

CCSVI Alliance Educational Event:

2013 Doctors' Roundtable: Exploring CCSVI & CSF in Neurological Disease

CCSVI Alliance's 3rd Annual Satellite Symposia at the Society of Interventional Radiology* explored the connections between CCSVI and CSF in neurological disease. Leading medical and scientific professionals discussed current key questions and concerns related to CCSVI and CSF in neurological disease.

Question & Answer with Panel

Dr. Bulent Arslan moderates a Q&A session about CCSVI, its treatment and its connection to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Panel members include Dr. Meredith Englander, Dr. Salvatore Sclafani, Dr. Jerry Niedwiecki, and Dr. Scott Rosa.

Observations at the Cranio-Cervical Junction, CTE and Observations of CSF

Dr. Scott Rosa has been working as a chiropractic physician for over 25 years. During his years of observational study, he became aware of the pathological CNS damage due to disrupted cerebrospinal fluid flow and arterial/venous flow. In this presentation, Dr. Rosa refers briefly to his extensive research on the effect of acute and chronic trauma at the upper neck and lower skull, and presents his observations of the cranio-cervical junction, CTE, and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Causes of Non-Response to Interventional Treatment of CCSVI

Dr. Salvatore Sclafani discusses possible causes of non-responses and early reoccurrence to interventional treatment of CCSVI. Dr. Sclafani treated his first CCSVI patient in 2009, and since then has dedicated his career to education and research about this syndrome. Dr. Sclafani is Emeritus Professor and former Chairman of Radiology at the State University of New York Downstate Medical School. He is also a founding member of the International Society of Neurovascular Disease (ISNVD).

What I Know About CCSVI

Meredith Englander, MD of the Albany Medical Center discusses what she knows about CCSVI. The Albany Medical Center has treated hundreds of patients for CCSVI. Hear Dr. Englander's observations from the last several years and why she thinks further research into CCSVI is important.

* This event was not considered part of the SIR 2013 Annual Scientific Meeting as planned by the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting Committee.

Find additional videos featuring Dr. Paolo Zamboni, Dr. Michael Dake, and others at the "Video Gallery". This gallery can be found under "The Basics" section and "CCSVI Multimedia," together with a selection of CCSVI photos at the "Photo Gallery."

CCSVI Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. While our work may be of interest to people worldwide, our focus is on CCSVI in the United States.

CCSVI Alliance Interviews

Mr. Ray Crallé, nationally recognized physical therapist, covers the physiology and rehabilitation of two symptomatic challenges for people with MS – gait disturbance and balance. As CCSVI Alliance has noted in its Aftercare Section, physical activity is one of the long term strategies we suggest to maximize brain health. This recommendation has been confirmed by numerous research studies which validate that physical activity is good for the heart and the brain (Indiana University, BMC Neurology Journal, Physical Therapy). Ray Crallé, using therapy techniques developed by Margaret Rood and Sir Charles Sharrington, elicits responses through the nervous system versus concentrating on exercising muscles. In this interview, Mr Crallé discusses the physiology of spasticity and spastic plantar flexion (incorrectly termed foot drop in many MS patients), vestibular balance (which can have an effect on cerebral blood flow) and the bio-mechanics of gait disturbance. Before starting any type of new physical activity or therapy, please check with your healthcare provider.

Joan Beal, CCSVI Alliance board member, interviews ISNVD 2014 Conference keynote speaker, Dr. Paula Grammas, PhD. Dr. Grammas is Professor of Neurology - Texas Tech University and Executive Director of the Garrison Institute on Aging. She was recently appointed Director of the Texas Alzheimer's Research Consortium. Joan talks with Dr. Grammas about her research into the role of blood vessels and inflammation in neurological disease.

Dr. Paolo Zamboni discusses his new pilot study which looks at perfusion changes in the multiple sclerosis (MS) brain prior to and after successful venoplasty for CCSVI, utilizing SPECT and PET scans. His team also compares cerebral perfusion in MS to normal controls. Recorded at the ISNVD 2014 Conference - San Francisco.

Neurologist Dr. David Hubbard reviews the history and the future of the FDA-approved Hubbard Patient Registry for the treatment of CCSVI. Recorded at the ISNVD 2014 Conference - San Francisco.

Find additional videos at the "Video Gallery".