[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''.


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                    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

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                               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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