What symptoms did Liz Vassallo experience before her CSF leak diagnosis?

Liz experienced severe headaches, neck stiffness, facial pain, ear pressure, vomiting, dizziness, and light sensitivity.

How did Chris Vassallo discover his wife might have a CSF leak?

Chris discovered the possibility of a CSF leak through his own diligent online research after months of misdiagnoses.

What is spontaneous intracranial hypotension, diagnosed in Liz Vassallo?

It's a condition where low cerebrospinal fluid pressure causes the brain to sag, often due to a spontaneous leak.

Home / Health / Husband's Research Uncovers Rare CSF Leak After Doctor Dismissal

Husband's Research Uncovers Rare CSF Leak After Doctor Dismissal

18 Jan

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Summary

Mom of four was repeatedly misdiagnosed with migraines for months.
Husband discovered rare CSF leak after extensive personal research.
Specialists confirmed spontaneous intracranial hypotension, likely CSF leak.

Husband's Research Uncovers Rare CSF Leak After Doctor Dismissal

A New Jersey mother of four, Liz Vassallo, experienced debilitating symptoms for months, beginning in October 2025, which doctors repeatedly dismissed as migraines. Her condition worsened, leaving her bedridden. Despite seeing 20 specialists and trying various treatments, no relief was found.

Her husband, Chris Vassallo, refused to accept the dismissive diagnoses and began extensive research. In November 2025, he discovered information on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, a condition that matched Liz's symptoms including severe headaches, facial pain, and light sensitivity.

On December 2, 2025, a neurosurgeon diagnosed Liz with spontaneous intracranial hypotension, likely due to a CSF leak. She underwent a painful epidural blood patch procedure, and while still recovering, she is showing significant improvement and has regained hope.