A chronic state of impaired venous drainage from the central nervous system, 
termed chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), is claimed to be a 
pathologic phenomenon exclusively seen in multiple sclerosis (MS). This has 
invigorated the causal debate of MS and generated immense interest in the 
patient and scientific communities. A potential shift in the treatment paradigm 
of MS involving endovascular balloon angioplasty or venous stent placement has 
been proposed as well as conducted in small patient series. In some cases, it 
may have resulted in serious injury. In this Point of View, we discuss the 
recent investigations that led to the description of CCSVI as well as the 
conceptual and technical shortcomings that challenge the potential relationship 
of this phenomenon to MS. The need for conducting carefully designed and 
rigorously controlled studies to investigate CCVSI has been recognized by the 
scientific bodies engaged in MS research. Several scientific endeavors examining 
the presence of CCSVI in MS are being undertaken. At present, invasive and 
potentially dangerous endovascular procedures as therapy for patients with MS 
should be discouraged until such studies have been completed, analyzed, and 
debated in the scientific arena.