title: "Media, politics and science policy: MS and evidence from the CCSVI Trenches".
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 2009, Dr. Paolo Zamboni proposed chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) as a possible cause of multiple sclerosis (MS). Although his theory and the associated treatment ("liberation therapy") received little more than passing interest in the international scientific and medical communities, his ideas became the source of tremendous public and political tension in Canada. The story moved rapidly from mainstream media to social networking sites. CCSVI and liberation therapy swiftly garnered support among patients and triggered remarkable and relentless advocacy efforts. Policy makers have responded in a variety of ways to the public's call for action.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We present three different perspectives on this evolving story, that of a health journalist who played a key role in the media coverage of this issue, that of a health law and policy scholar who has closely observed the unfolding public policy developments across the country, and that of a medical ethicist who sits on an expert panel convened by the MS Society of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to assess the evidence as it emerges.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This story raises important questions about resource allocation and priority setting in scientific research and science policy. The growing power of social media represents a new level of citizen engagement and advocacy, and emphasizes the importance of open debate about the basis on which such policy choices are made. It also highlights the different ways evidence may be understood, valued and utilized by various stakeholders and further emphasizes calls to improve science communication so as to support balanced and informed decision-making.
authors: Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, 300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada. dpullman@mun.ca
authors: Daryl
authors: D
authors: Pullman
authors: Amy
authors: A
authors: Zarzeczny
authors: André
authors: A
authors: Picard
mesh_terms: D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000009:adverse effects; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply; D002170:Canada; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics; D003657:Decision Making; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015276:Health Care Rationing; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011050:Policy Making; D011057:Politics; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D012525:Saskatchewan; D061108:Social Media; D013131:Spine / Q000098:blood supply; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000150:complications*
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