Thyroid concerns—whether it’s hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism—are typically managed medically: people with hypothyroidism are usually prescribed levothyroxine, and people with hyperthyroidism are often prescribed antithyroid medications or other interventions. As a result, we don’t often consider the role of nutrition when it comes to thyroid health.
However, there are cases where medical interventions are not appropriate. In people with spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord leaks through a hole or tear in the dura mater, the membrane protecting the central nervous system. The resulting intracranial hypotension and brain sag can lead to a number of endocrinological issues, including thyroid concerns.
Spinal CSF leak patient Marion Davis has had both hypo- and hyperthyroidism, which she partly attributes to an enlarged pituitary gland. Using her own experiences as a starting point, she will share research and case studies on how iodine intake can affect thyroid activity.
As a patient advocate, Marion will also share how weight discrimination affects spinal CSF patients and their ability to access care.
Presentation Outline
- Rate of incidence for thyroid disorders and mechanisms involved
- Prevalence of spinal CSF leaks in Canada and the US
- Research on CSF leaks and endocrinology connection
- Population studies on iodine fortification and thyroid disorders
- The real-world impact of an inappropriate focus on BMI in spinal CSF leak care
- Dietitians in a frontline role in supporting spinal CSF leak patients
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