UB leads way in battle against MS

Western New York has the second-highest rate of Multiple Sclerosis in the nation.

The University at Buffalo is now leading the way to a possible breakthrough in the battle against MS.

Christine Passmore and Kevin Lipp have been dealing with Multiple Sclerosis in their respective lives for at least a decade.

"At times very frustrating. But, Ism a believer that you keep going," said Lipp.

They are finding hope for the future because of a clinical trial in Buffalo. Neurologists at the University at Buffalo are doing research that could change the way doctors look at and treat multiple scleorosis.

Michael Cain, Dean of U.B. School of Medicine said, "It's a study to prove whether or not patients with multiple sclerosis have anatomic abnormalities in the veins in the neck that normally drain blood from the head."

Four areas have been identified. The result is a backup of blood in the brain, leaving abnormal amounts of iron in brain tissue.

"Then goes ahead and further damages brain tissue and neurons, which leads to the clinical manifestation of multiple sclerosis," Cain said.

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. The impact can be devastating.

"I had problems with vision in my left eye that made no sense," said Passmore.

Christin's problems started in her 20's. The research will include 1,700 MS patients.

Passmore said, "Tests and research studies like this are what's going to bring about the cure."

Researchers are hoping to initially come up with a way to improve the lives of MS patients by increasing blood flow from the brain.

Cain said, "There may be a mechanical intervention, may be a mechanical intervention that you could do that could open up those abnormalities in the brain."

The trial is being conducted in Buffalo.

For more information on the MS Clinical Trial, send an email to  CTEVD@BNAC.net