Bill Text: NJ AJR231 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Permanently designates September of each year as "Chiari Malformation Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-12-05 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee [AJR231 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-AJR231-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman RONALD S. DANCER
District 12 (Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean)
SYNOPSIS
Permanently designates September of each year as "Chiari Malformation Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution permanently designating September of each year as "Chiari Malformation Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Chiari malformations are structural defects in the base of the skull and cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance; and
Whereas, Normally the cerebellum and parts of the brain stem sit above an opening in the skull that allows the spinal cord to pass through it (called the foramen magnum). When part of the cerebellum extends below the foramen magnum and into the upper spinal canal, it is called Chiari malformation (CM); and
Whereas, CM may develop when part of the skull is smaller than normal or misshapen, which forces the cerebellum to be pushed down into the foramen magnum and spinal canal; and
Whereas, CM causes pressure on the cerebellum and brain stem that may affect functions controlled by these areas and block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid--the clear liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord.; and
Whereas, CM has several different causes. Most often it is caused by structural defects in the brain and spinal cord that occur during fetal development and is called primary or congenital Chiari malformation; and
Whereas, CM can also be caused later in life if spinal fluid is drained excessively from the lumbar or thoracic areas of the spine as a result of a traumatic injury, disease, or infection. This is called acquired or secondary Chiari malformation; and
Whereas, CM is classified by the severity of the disorder and the parts of the brain that protrude into the spinal canal. General symptoms of CM include, headaches, tinnitus, curvature of the spine, slow heart rhythm, weakness, trouble swallowing, balance issues, dizziness, abnormal breathing, and sleep apnea; and
Whereas, There are three types of CM. CM Type I, which may not cause symptoms, occurs as the skull and brain are developing and is the most common form of CM. It is usually first noticed in adolescence or adulthood, often by accident during an examination for another condition; and
Whereas, CM Type II has symptoms that are generally more severe than Type 1. These symptoms usually appear during childhood and can cause life-threatening complications during infancy or early childhood; and
Whereas, CM Type III is very rare and the most serious form of the condition. The symptoms of Type III appear in infancy and can cause debilitating and life-threatening complications, including hydrocephalus and spina bifida; and
Whereas, Treatment for CM depends on the severity and characteristics of a patient's condition. If there are no symptoms, a patient is monitored with regular examinations and magnetic resonance imaging. Symptomatic CM is treated with surgery or pain medication, as appropriate; and
Whereas, The National Institutes of Health is conducting research on the genetic factors that increase the risk of developing Chiari malformation and other related brain disorders; and
Whereas, This research has identified gene mutations that cause brain overgrowth that may accompany CM and could lead to new diagnostic tests and better treatments options for the disorder; and
Whereas, The permanent designation of the month of September as "Chiari Malformation Awareness Month" will serve to raise public awareness about the signs and symptoms of Chiari Malformation and support research efforts to develop new diagnostic tests and additional treatments for this disorder; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The month of September shall be permanently designated as "Chiari Malformation Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey in order to raise public awareness about the signs and symptoms of Chiari Malformation and support research efforts to develop new diagnostic tests and additional treatments for this disorder.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing September as "Chiari Malformation Awareness Month" in New Jersey and calling upon public officials, the citizens of the State, and other interested groups to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution permanently designates the month of September as "Chiari Malformation Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey in order to raise public awareness about the signs and symptoms of Chiari Malformation and support research efforts to develop new diagnostic tests and additional treatments for this disorder.
