1) To review the common social networking sites used by MS patients to convey information and discussions about the role of endovascular treatment for CCSVI. These websites, as well as their methodology for participation, will be reviewed. 2) To review the advantages and disadvantages of physician participation on these websites. 3) To review the potential use of these websites in practice development and patient communication.

Background

CCSVI is a recently described venous abnormality that appears to be present in patients with MS and may be a cause for the some of their symptoms. Early data demonstrates symptomatic improvement in patients undergoing endovascular treatment for CCSVI. While most new procedures go through a rigorous process of research and investigation before being applied to the mainstream population, these procedure appear to have been rapidly accepted by the MS patient community and is now being performed by many physicians around the world. This is largely attributed to patient demand fueled by the information conveyed by social networking websites. Since this is where almost all patients are receiving their information about CCSVI and venous angioplasty, it is critical for all health care professionals involved in the care of these patients to be familiar with these social networking sites.