Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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May 02, 2024
WHEREAS, spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, also known as intracranial hypotension, is a significant, incapacitating, and underdiagnosed but treatable cause of new-onset headache; and,
WHEREAS, while the most common symptom is disabling positional head pain that is worse when upright and improved when lying down, spinal CSF leak can also cause a wide range of symptoms and serious complications, including hearing loss, vision disturbances, dizziness, tinnitus, stroke, dementia, Parkinsonism-type symptoms, and coma; and,
WHEREAS, spinal CSF leak occurs when there is a hole, tear, or other defect in the dura mater, the protective sheath that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, allowing CSF to seep out and cause a loss of CSF volume around the brain and spine; and,
WHEREAS, spinal CSF leak can be caused iatrogenically, via medical procedures such as lumbar punctures, epidurals, or surgeries; spontaneously, as is the case with CSF-venous fistulas or bone spurs; and/or via accidental or other traumatic injury to the spine; and,
WHEREAS, diagnosis is often missed or delayed due to low awareness among health care providers, and diagnostic imaging is often insufficiently sensitive to confirm a diagnosis or locate a spinal CSF leak; and,
WHEREAS, patients report significant delays in accessing treatment options, including epidural blood, fibrin glue patching, embolization, or surgical intervention, due to low awareness; and,
WHEREAS, each of these limitations negatively impacts treatment outcomes and contributes to additional patient suffering; and,
WHEREAS, the incidence and prevalence of this disorder have been challenging to study due to underdiagnosis and a lack of research funding; and,
WHEREAS, greater awareness and understanding are vital to ensure the timely diagnosis, treatment, and best possible outcomes for patients suffering from spinal CSF leak;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 2-8, 2024 as Spinal CSF Leak Awareness Week in Michigan.