Chiari Malformation Awareness Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, Chiari malformation is a serious neurological disorder affecting over 300,000 people in the United States, first identified by Austrian pathologist Professor Hans Chiari in the 1890's; and

WHEREAS, Chiari malformations are defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance, that create pressure on the cerebellum and brain stem and may block the normal flow of cerebral spinal fluid to and from the brain; and

WHEREAS, Chiari malformation affects 1 in 1,000 people and is nearly as prevalent as multiple sclerosis, a well-known condition; and

WHEREAS, the cause of Chiari malformation is unknown; however, many 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, 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; 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 cause to create improved treatment and prevention plans; and

WHEREAS, Chiari Malformation Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of this disorder and support research efforts to find additional treatment options for Chiari malformation; and

WHEREAS, the 16th Annual Conquer Chiari Walk Across America will be held across the country including many walk sites throughout Virginia during the month to raise awareness for this disease;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 2023, as CHIARI MALFORMATION AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations