STATEHOUSE — State Representative Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) authored a resolution in the House on January 14 declaring September Chiari Malformation (CM) Month. “Chiari Malformation is a defect in the brain that affects structural balance,” said Rep. Crouch. “Declaring September to officially be Chiari Malformation Month will help bring awareness to this disorder and hopefully result in a cure.” CM includes a complex group of disorders characterized by herniation in the brain. It can occur when the cerebellum area of the brain is misshapen and pushes up against the spine. This causes fluid and pressure to build up in the brain. This defect can cause issues involving movement and structural development. 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 dramatically. New genetic studies support a hereditary tendency where women are three times more likely to be afflicted by this debilitating disorder than men. “CM is a growing fetal development deficiency,” said Rep. Crouch. “This will be a great opportunity for people to become more aware and educated about this development issue.” This resolution will promote awareness and advocacy of Chiari Malformation during September.
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Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) represents portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties |
