List date(s) this work was published or aired.
28-Oct-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
A condition known as CCSVI has been hypothesized as the cause of, or a contributing factor to, the onset of multiple sclerosis. Thousands of people have paid as much as $11,000 each to undergo an invasive procedure said to alleviate the condition. The only thing is, there’s no evidence the procedure works, and a great deal of doubt the condition even exists. This article explores the controversy through two brothers: one, a patient with MS who has undergone the surgery, the other a neurologist who treats patients with MS and regards CCSVI as an instance of scientific medical and misconduct.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
I analyzed dozens of scientific studies on CCSVI that were published in peer-reviewed medical journals, which was crucial to evaluating the hypothesis and the efficacy of the treatment.
Explain types of human sources used.
I interviewed (in person) the originator of the CCSVI hypothesis; the leading US practitioner of the procedure; several of his patients; the first person to undergo the procedure in the US; the founder of the leading Facebook page on CCSVI, which has been a major factor in its spread; the head of the MS clinic at Mt. Sinai Medical Center; neurologists with the NIH; and neurologists who teach at universities in the US and Europe.
Results:
A good deal of chatter in social media.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No corrections other than a spelling error introduced by the magazine staff.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Find a person or persons with a narrative through which to examine the issue.