A protest march by people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was help on the steps of Alberta legislature on Wednesday. These people are demanding funds for a research into a new technique which can help these patients.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada has already requested the Canadian Government to provide $10 million in research amount for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and MS. Patients suffering from MS also stressed on the Government to understand their condition and give more money for research on MS.

The only treatment available to patients of MS in Alberta is drug treatment but it is not helpful in treating all of these patients. It has lead to a serious decline in quality of life and health in many people with MS.

There is only one centre currently which is doing testing CCSVI and is located in Falls Creek, B. C. In this place, ultrasounds and MRVs are done with the money provided by the patients. It can cost around $2,500 for a single patient.

A research study done by Italian vascular surgeon Paolo Zamboni had revealed that around 90% of patients suffering from MS had malformed or blocked veins that were unable to properly drain blood from the brain. These symptoms lead to the excessive buildup of iron, which lead to various problems like vertigo, fatigue, vision impairment and loss of sensation and co-ordination.

It found that a routine angioplasty can open the veins and solve the problem. Canada does not offer this option to the patients of MS. A Canadian suffering from MS, Evan Thornton had the procedure done in Poland and is delighted with the results.