A discovery about the brain and the immune system
In 2015, researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine reported finding lymphatic vessels in the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain, in mice. These vessels connect to the body's lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Textbooks had taught that the brain had no such vessels, so the finding was a genuine surprise. Researchers have since confirmed similar vessels in humans.
Why it matters
The discovery changed how scientists think about the brain's relationship with the immune system. Researchers are now studying whether these vessels play a role in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. It's early research, and it hasn't led to new treatments yet.
What it doesn't mean
This research is about the brain's lymphatic drainage. It isn't evidence that chiropractic adjustments affect the immune system, and chiropractic care isn't a substitute for vaccinations or medical treatment of illness. If you have questions about your immune health or vaccines, talk with your medical doctor.
Source: Louveau A, et al. "Structural and functional features of central nervous system lymphatic vessels." Nature, 2015.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Our doctors are doctors of chiropractic (D.C.), not medical doctors. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.