Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblyman Daniel M. Van Pelt announced today they will be introducing legislation designating July 17 of each year as “Chiari Malformation-Syringomyelia Awareness Day” in New Jersey. Syringomyelia (SM) is a neurological disorder in which a cyst or cavity forms within the spinal cord, possibly destroying it over time. Chiari malformation (CM), a form of syringomyelia, is a structural defect in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance.
The 9th District Delegation’s initiative is in direct response to a request by Mrs. Christine Marchesano of Little Egg Harbor who was diagnosed with the condition and underwent successful corrective neck and spinal surgery. Mrs. Marchesano is a community activist committed to raising awareness of the debilitating medical abnormality. She has already hosted an educational forum in Little Egg Harbor and has publically announced her intentions to establish a southern Ocean County chiari support group.
“This Resolution is meant to build upon the courageous efforts of Mrs. Marchesano in raising awareness and understanding of this serious medical condition and attempting to make chiari malformation and syringomyelia household names,” said Senator Connors. “The establishment of a statewide day of recognition is an effective means of educating the general public on a specific issue. The ultimate goal is to encourage individuals suffering from the common symptoms of this disease to get checked out so they can receive proper medical attention.”
The several causes of CM include structural defects in the brain and spinal cord during fetal development. Additionally, CM can be caused later in life if spinal fluid is drained excessively from the lumbar or thoracic areas of the spine either due to injury, exposure to harmful substances or infection.
Assemblyman Rumpf remarked, “In recognition of Mrs. Marchesano’s efforts, the Little Egg Harbor Township Committee has proclaimed April 10 as Chiari Awareness Day in the town. Considering the health issue involved, her heroic efforts are certainly deserving of action by the state as a means of promoting greater public awareness. One reason for this is the alarming statistics on this medical condition. It is estimated that about 1 in 1,200 people have chiari malformation with an estimated 800 in New Jersey according to the American Syringomyelia Alliance Project. The average age of diagnosis is around 24 years of age and is more commonly found in women.”
“Severe headaches, neck pain, dizziness, muscle weakness and hearing problems are among the most common symptoms of this little-known medical condition,” added Assemblyman Van Pelt. “Often times an individual’s fine motor skills and hand coordination are affected. Greater public awareness of the existence of this particular condition will hopefully result in individuals suffering from these ailments receiving the treatment needed to alleviate the pain they are experiencing.”
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