WHEREAS, Chiari Malformation (CM) is a serious neurological disorder affecting well over 300,000 people in the United States; and
     WHEREAS, Chiari Malformation was first identified by Austrian pathologist Professor Hans Chiari in the 1890's and categorized in order of severity: CM types I, II, III, and IV; and
     WHEREAS, Chiari Malformations are defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance; and
     WHEREAS, Chiari Malformation creates pressure on the cerebellum and brain stem and may block the normal flow of cerebral spinal fluid to and from the brain; and
     WHEREAS, The cause of Chiari Malformation is unknown but scientists believe it is either a congenital condition caused by exposure to harmful substances during fetal development or a genetic condition as it may appear in more than one family member; and
     WHEREAS, The symptoms of Chiari Malformation usually appear during adolescence or early adulthood and can include severe head and neck pain, vertigo, muscle weakness, balance problems, blurred vision or double vision, difficulty swallowing, and sleep apnea; and
     WHEREAS, The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health is conducting research to find alternative surgical options and identify the causes of Chiari Malformation to create improved prevention and treatment plans;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor those who suffer from Chiari Malformation; and hope that as awareness of this disease increases, that the disease's causes may be found and critical physician education increased in order to create improved prevention and treatment plans.