IN REGONITION OF
Chiari Awareness Month
Chiari malformations (CM) are defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance, that create pressure on the cerebellum and brainstem which may block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid to and from the brain.
The condition was first identified by German pathologist Professor Hans Chiari in the 1890s. He categorized the CMs in order of severity: types I, II, III and IV.
The cause of Chiari I malformations is unknown but scientists believe it is either a congenital condition caused by exposure to harmful substances during fetal development or that it could be a genetic condition, as it may appear in more than one family member.
Symptoms usually appear during adolescence or early adulthood and can include severe head and neck pain, vertigo, muscle weakness, balance problems, blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing and sleep apnea.
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 cause of the CMs to create improved treatment and prevention plans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I , TED STRICKLAND, Governor of the State of Ohio, do hereby designate
September 2007 as Chiari Awareness Month
throughout the State of Ohio.
Ted Strickland
Governor
