Annette Funicello and CCSVI
October 9, 2012 at 9:01am
This week, we've had a very black and white demonstration of the issues behind the manufactured "CCSVI controversy" and why there is no movement in the research of this vascular condition.
On the one hand, we saw Annette Funicello's lack of venous flow, as reported by Dr. Donald Ponec in San Diego, CA. Standing on camera with CTV reporter, Avis Favaro, and the images of Annette's jugular veins, Dr. Ponec discusses her case. In 2011, before treatment, Annette had only 30% flow through her right jugular vein and absolutely NO FLOW through her left jugular vein. Beyond that, the blood was refluxing on the left side of her brain, traveling through her brain and over to the right side in order to exit. No one, including Dr. Ponec, has any idea how long this flow pattern was occurring in Annette's brain, nor how a disturbed blood flow pattern like this could potentially harm her brain. All we know is that this is not normal, and slowed perfusion harms brain tissue.
Annette Funicello had CCSVI.
After venoplasty treatment and a restoration of normal flow through both jugular veins, her husband Glen sees color return to her face. She can now swallow on her own, her breathing is less labored. And we can only imagine what might have been if this brilliant woman had been diagnosed and treated in the beginning stages of her disease.
Was this story of America's sweetheart covered in the American press?
No. Not even one word.
How ironic that this story has to be told in the Canadian press.