The Alberta government’s commitment of $1 million to study “liberation treatment” is a step in the right direction but is long overdue, say Central Albertans living with multiple sclerosis.

Reg Kriel of Rimbey said he was pleased to hear the province will pay the way for researchers from the University of Calgary and University of Alberta, along with other experts, to conduct an observational study on the safety and effects of venous procedures, including the controversial treatment pioneered by Paolo Zamboni.

The Italian vascular surgeon believes there’s a link between MS, a neurodegenerative disease, and blocked veins in the neck or spinal cord.

Zamboni uses angioplasty or ballooning to open blocked veins — a treatment that is being used in a number of countries including India and Mexico.

Currently, venous procedures are not approved for use in Canada.

Alberta’s three-year study begins next spring.

Alberta Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky said the province wants to help build the body of evidence that will provide a clear indication, one way or the other, about the safety and effectiveness of this new treatment. He has also committed to paying for clinical trials if the go-ahead is given.

“I’m still happy as all get-out that the Alberta government is getting on side with us,” said Kriel. “I know the MS Society is happy with it. We’re just perturbed that they didn’t do this six months ago. All of us that have gone somewhere to get this treatment done, we are a case study.”

Kriel, who has had MS for 28 years, travelled to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in July to receive the Zamboni treatment. Shortly after the surgery, he noticed the ringing in his ears had stopped after 20 years. It resumed about 25 days later. He also found he could stay up much longer, without having to lay down and rest.

“Usually I am laying down about noon and I’m done for the day,” said Kriel. “Now, I can stay up until 5 or 6 p.m.” The researchers will take down anecdotal evidence from people like him.

Tom King, of Sundre, said the province’s commitment is “a start” and now he hopes that the study will be done with an open mind. He had a stent put in his left jugular vein and angioplasty in his right jugular during treatment in India last May. Both veins remain open.

“I’ve had improvements big time,” he said. “I still don’t have any headaches. It’s one day at a time.”

Lacombe area resident Noreen Leasack, 52, was among nine Canadians who travelled to India for treatment last March. She was the only one who could walk, everyone else was in a wheelchair.

“I was the only one that they could not find the blockage in, so I did not get the liberation treatment done,” said Leasack. “There was an identified mass in the centre of my brain and the doctors were saying if the blockage is up there, they can’t get to it anyway.”

One woman in the group was able to walk the following morning, she said.

Leasack said she would participate in the Alberta study.