WHEREAS, arachnoiditis is a rare, extremely debilitating chronic pain condition caused by injury to the arachnoid layer of the spinal cord; and
WHEREAS, the three major causes of arachnoiditis are infection, injury to the spine or spinal nerves, and trauma to the spinal cord caused by epidural prolapse, injections or other damage that may cause viral, fungal or bacterial infections, including meningitis; and
WHEREAS, because this disease can occur due to complications from medical procedures, increased awareness is imperative for both the patients and health care providers; and
WHEREAS, the goal of treatment is to improve a patient's motor function and quality of life by alleviating symptoms – especially pain – through treatment, it will not fully eliminate pain symptoms; and
WHEREAS, arachnoiditis knows no age limit, and, if left unrecognized or untreated, may lead to a variety of symptoms which can impair the person's ability to function independently, and can inhibit their daily living and employment, as well as lead to significant disability; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages people to learn about the risk and symptoms of arachnoiditis, advocate research for a cure, and support those and their families affected by this disease in our communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim July, 2022, as “ARACHNOIDITIS AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.