The death of an Ontario man who developed complications after seeking out a controversial new treatment for multiple sclerosis should serve as a cautionary tale for those thinking of following suit, a leading authority on the disease said Friday.

Neurologist Dr. Jock Murray of Dalhousie University in Halifax said Mahir Mostic's death highlights some of the risks involved in the procedure, which purports to relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis by unclogging blocked veins in the neck.

Media reports said Mostic, 35, died in a Costa Rica clinic on Oct. 19. Reports said he developed blood clots months after the initial procedure and died after returning to Costa Rica to seek follow-up treatment.

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