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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 27, 2014 10:44 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Nick Miccarelli |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Resolution to recognize September 2014 as "Chiari Malformation Awareness Month." |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution that will recognize September 2014 as “Chiari Malformation Awareness Month.” Until recently, Chiari malformation was regarded as a rare condition, but with the increased use of magnetic resonance imaging, the number of reported cases has risen from 200,000 to 2 million Americans. Women are 3 times more likely to be affected by this disease than men. Chiari Malformation is a structural defect in the cerebellum. When the indented bony space at the lower rear of the skull is smaller than normal, the cerebellum and brainstem can be pushed downward. The resulting pressure on the cerebellum can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord) and can cause a range of symptoms including dizziness, muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems, headache, and problems with balance and coordination. One of the methods of treatment that has consistently proved successful is brain surgery which is very costly. Approximately 3,500 brain operations are performed each year in the United States. Please join me in co-sponsoring Chiari Malformation Awareness Month. |
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