Title: Supporting the designation of the week of February 26 to March 4, 2017, as "National Spinal CSF Leak Awareness Week".
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Expresses support for the designation of National Spinal CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) Leak Awareness Week. (CSF is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF leaks can cause intense headaches.)

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 167 Introduced in House (IH)]

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115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 167

Supporting the designation of the week of February 26 to March 4, 2017, 
            as ``National Spinal CSF Leak Awareness Week''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 2, 2017

  Mr. Cartwright (for himself and Ms. Norton) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Supporting the designation of the week of February 26 to March 4, 2017, 
            as ``National Spinal CSF Leak Awareness Week''.

Whereas spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, also known as intracranial 
        hypotension, is an important, disabling, underdiagnosed but treatable 
        cause of new onset headache;
Whereas cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bathes and supports the brain and spinal cord;
Whereas when the connective tissue known as dura that holds CSF in around the 
        spinal cord has a hole or tear, the result is a loss of CSF volume;
Whereas the most common symptom is a disabling positional headache that is worse 
        when upright and improved when lying down;
Whereas spinal CSF leaks may cause a wide range of symptoms and serious 
        complications, including stroke, dementia, Parkinsonism, coma, and even 
        death;
Whereas the causes of spinal CSF leaks include those that arise from trauma or 
        medical procedures, as well as those that occur spontaneously;
Whereas the diagnosis is often missed or delayed due to low awareness by health 
        care providers, contributing to additional suffering;
Whereas the sensitivity of diagnostic imaging is currently inadequate to confirm 
        the diagnosis and/or locate the leak in many cases, which impacts 
        treatment options and outcomes;
Whereas current treatment options are limited to epidural patching procedures 
        and a range of neurosurgical procedures;
Whereas the incidence and prevalence of this disorder has been challenging to 
        study due to underdiagnosis;
Whereas funding for research of this disorder is lacking; and
Whereas greater awareness and understanding of this disorder are vital to ensure 
        the diagnosis, treatment, and best possible outcomes for patients: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``National Spinal CSF Leak 
        Awareness Week''; and
            (2) recognizes the importance of understanding the impact 
        of this disorder.
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