CCSVI treatment in India

In 2009, a medical breakthrough called Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) treatment was discovered. The treatment has given new hope to millions of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) sufferers in a way that had not existed before. The high competency levels of Indian doctors and medical staff, and comparatively low costs are the main advantage of going to India for CCSVI treatment.

The most important reasons against the treatment are the same as in any other country. They have more to do with what is known about the treatment itself. Dr. Paolo Zamboni, who first discovered this approach to treating MS, claims to have helped many MS patients with his version called Liberation treatment. Other researchers have not been able to prove Dr. Zamboni’s theories conclusively and in many countries his treatment is not yet legal. When it works, it seems to work only on certain patients.

Many MS sufferers have leaped on this possibility of an MS cure and feel they have nothing to lose by trying the treatment. Nothing else will save their lives. If, after careful investigation, an MS sufferer believes CCSVI treatment is good for him or her, then India’s skilled doctors can apply the treatment at a cost affordable for most middle-class incomes.

Procedure for CCSVI treatment

Both Liberation and other CCSVI treatments are still in their infancy and some hospitals practice one, or another, or a mix of both.  Since this was discovered only in 2009, no one knows if the treatment will be successful long term.

Dr. Zamboni believes blocked veins in an MS sufferer’s neck force blood to flow back into the brain, resulting in MS. His Liberation treatment inserts a balloon into the blocked veins to open up the blood flow away from the brain.

This is the most common method practiced, but if this doesn’t work, a stent (plastic or metal piece) is inserted instead of a balloon to keep the vein open. Those who receive stents need to be on blood thinners for at least six months.

The procedure is relatively safe and pain free. Problems can happen if a stent becomes loose and enters the bloodstream, but this is very rare.

Why go to India for CCSVI treatment?

•  India’s medical tourism industry has the best trained doctors and healthcare centers in India are state-of-the-art.

• Due to a lower cost of living, the cost of CCSVI treatment in India can be as much as 90 percent less than in western countries.
• There is no wait time and treatment is done when the patient requests it.
• Traveling to India for CCSVI treatment will also give patients the opportunity to include sightseeing in their medical itinerary. India has a number of tourist spots which are world-famous for their awe inspiring beauty and visiting them will be a novel experience, especially for the westerners.

CCSVI is controversial and not for everyone.  However, if an MS sufferer believes this is his or her best chance, India’s medical system has everything that is required to put CCSVI into action.