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.
DISCUSSION: 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.
SUMMARY: 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.