New York researchers testing MS theory

BUFFALO, N.Y., Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Officials of the Buffalo, N.Y., Neuroimaging Analysis Center say they hope to have the results of unique study on multiple sclerosis finished within months.

The center's Dr. Robert Zivadinov, the principal investigator on the study, told Sunday's Buffalo News that he views early evidence on their MS theory as compelling -- that the complex, incurable disease is caused by blocked or narrowed veins that prevent the brain from draining blood properly, adding he hoped to have results early next year.

If the theory is correct, MS sufferers could be treated with angioplasty, the same procedure used to open clogged arteries around the heart, the newspaper said.

"The idea looks encouraging, but even if it turns out to be right, people need to remember that miracles don't happen overnight. We have to prove it first," Zivadinov said.

The newspaper said Zivadinov's team is trying to replicate to findings of Dr. Paolo Zamboni of the University of Ferrara in Italy in a much larger group of patients. The study will recruit 1,100 patients with all types of MS, including children, as well as 300 healthy volunteers and 350 people with other neurological diseases.