Lymphovenous Obstruction in Multiple Sclerosis
For the past three years, Shaun Salen, the administrator of this MS support group, has exhibited sustained well-being following a specialized cellular regenerative protocol for Multiple Sclerosis. Despite subsequent intercurrent medical conditions that placed physiological stress on his system, his MS has remained effectively managed, suggesting a durable reparative effect of the cellular intervention.
This case of MS is particularly noteworthy due to Mr. Salen’s sustained recovery despite significant health challenges and the unexpected identification of a primary extracranial cerebrovascular condition during a unique brain preconditioning protocol developed at Somata Genesis. Remarkably, he has maintained a stable Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) rating of 1 for over three years following the intervention.
Diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) in 2018, Mr. Salen had previously undergone multiple conventional immunosuppressive therapies, including Tecfidera, with limited clinical benefit. In 2020, he connected with Linda Fresen, another MS patient residing in Tisdale. Their shared diagnosis led to discussions about a treatment that had reportedly transformed Ms. Fresen’s condition in 2013. Inspired by this account, Mr. Salen, with the help of Ms. Fresen, sought consultation. Initial contact coincided with the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time our focus was on treating patients with Covid-induced hypercytokinemia using immunomodulatory cellular therapies.
Subsequently, Mr. Salen was screened and met the inclusion criteria for the specialized protocol. Navigating international travel restrictions during the pandemic, he eventually arrived at Somata Genesis in India in May 2022. At the time of treatment, his EDSS score was 3, indicating moderate disability.
Prior to the neurogenesis component of the therapy, Mr. Salen underwent a proprietary brain preconditioning protocol. This unique procedure, currently exclusive to our center, offers novel insights into cerebral vasculature that are not typically accessible through conventional diagnostic imaging. Findings from this protocol provide unique information regarding potential underlying factors contributing to MS in individual patients. In Mr. Salen’s case, a significant finding was an obstruction impeding the outflow of deoxygenated blood from the brain. Specifically, an obstructive lymphovenous valvewas identified at the confluence of the thoracic duct with the internal jugular and subclavian veins, hindering proper venous drainage and potentially leading to intermittent brain hypoxia and ongoing neurodegeneration.
For context, a relevant study discusses the role of extracranial valves in central nervous system disorders (Zivadinov & Chung, 2013). This research highlights that internal jugular vein (IJV) valves, typically located approximately 0.5 cm superior to the junction of the subclavian vein and IJVs, act as a buffer regulating cerebral venous pressure. While IJV valve incompetence has been linked to neurological deficits, the obstruction observed in Mr. Salen was distal to these typical valve locations, at the lymphovenous confluence.
The identified lymphovenous valve obstruction appears to be a central factor in Mr. Salen’s MS, suggesting a potentially significant vascular component that deviates from a purely autoimmune etiology. While surgical resolution of this obstruction was deemed unfeasible, we discovered that employing deep breathing techniques facilitated the drainage of deoxygenated blood from Mr. Salen’s cranium, thereby presenting a potential to mitigate the effects of hypoxia. He subsequently received multipotent cellular and growth factor administrations to the supratentorial brain, followed by an intrathecal administration of neurogenesis-promoting cells and growth factors to address long-term degenerative processes. Following this comprehensive approach, Mr. Salen experienced substantial improvements in both motor and cognitive functions.
Over the ensuing years, Mr. Salen encountered further health challenges, including pancreatitis, antibiotic treatments, a leg surgery, and mercury toxicity from a dental implant. Despite these stressors, his adherence to lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, detoxification strategies, and overall commitment to his well-being have enabled him to maintain the benefits of the cellular regenerative therapy for over three years. His ongoing management includes conscious effort to practice deep breathing to counteract the persistent lymphovenous valve obstruction.
Our observations using the brain preconditioning protocol consistently reveal ischemic injuries in the brains of MS patients, often associated with underlying vascular abnormalities. This raises a critical question regarding the number of MS patients who may be primarily addressing immune dysregulation while the potential impact of cerebral hypoperfusion remains unaddressed.
Attached are shorts of Shaun’s lymphovenous valve obstruction and its impact on drainage through his internal jugular vein.
This case underscores the potential for previously unrecognized extracranial vascular anomalies to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of MS in certain individuals. The sustained clinical improvement following a cellular regenerative approach, coupled with a patient-driven compensatory physiological mechanism, warrants further investigation into the complex interplay between vascular and immunological factors in MS and the potential for more individualized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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In this clip, Shaun discusses how he met Linda. Below is the link to the post about Linda a few days ago.
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References
Zivadinov, R., & Chung, C. P. (2013). Potential involvement of the extracranial venous system in central nervous system disorders and aging. BMC Medicine, 11(1), 260.