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This procedure should not be used. The evidence shows that it is not safe and does not work for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in multiple sclerosis.

It has been suggested that multiple sclerosis symptoms may be caused, or made worse, by blocked veins in the neck or chest (chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency). This procedure involves inserting an inflatable balloon into veins in the neck and chest in an attempt to widen them. Sometimes a short tube (a stent) is left in place to keep the veins open. The aim is to improve blood flow and symptoms.

Your healthcare professional should talk to you about other treatment options.

NICE’s information on interventional procedures guidance has more about what a procedure is and how we assess them.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-3239-9


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