Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

In the near future, I plan to introduce a Resolution designating September 2023 as Chiari Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. 

 

Chiari Malformation, a serious neurological condition, is frequently misdiagnosed and misunderstood, even by many in the medical community.  Improving awareness is an important step in ensuring those who suffer from this condition receive prompt and adequate treatment. 

 

In patients with Chiari Malformation, the cerebellum descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on both the brain and spine and restricting the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This compression can cause severe health consequences including extreme headaches, nerve damage, loss of certain motor functions, dizziness, weakness, vision loss, heart palpitations, balance issues, cognitive issues, sleep apnea and depression. Many who suffer from this disease without a proper diagnosis end up bed-ridden or in a wheelchair due to neurological damage.  

 

Chiari Malformation affects 1 in 1000 people and is nearly as prevalent as Multiple Sclerosis, a well-known condition.  There is a great need for physician education with regard to the treatment and ongoing care for people afflicted with this complex and debilitating disorder.  It is imperative to improve education for the safety and betterment in the quality of life for the hundreds of thousands of suffering Chiari patients. Additional information on this disease is available online at www.conquerchiari.org. 

 

This condition is especially close to the Senate.  Christina Thompson, wife of our colleague Jason Thompson, Communications Director for Senator Martin, was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation in March 2013.  And recently, Norah Smith, the five-year-old granddaughter of Chief Clerk Donetta D’Innocenzo, was diagnosed with the condition.  

 

Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution to bring much needed attention and awareness to this serious condition.