Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Even Congress noticed

Seems there's been a move to increase education about my condition (always a good thing).
My ladyfriend, always vigilant, found this:

110th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1193

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a critical need to increase research, awareness, and education about cerebral cavernous malformations.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 13, 2008

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a critical need to increase research, awareness, and education about cerebral cavernous malformations.
Whereas cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), or cavernous angioma, is a devastating blood vessel disease that has enormous consequences for those affected and their families;
Whereas cavernous angiomas are malformations in the brain that cannot be detected easily except through very specific medical imaging scans;
Whereas those with a cavernous angioma should not take blood thinners or aspirin, but are rarely aware that they have the disease;
Whereas in the general population 1 in approximately 200 people has a cavernous angioma and about 1/3 of these affected people become symptomatic at some point in their lives;
Whereas there is a hereditary form of the illness, caused by a mutation or deletion on any one of 3 genes that is characterized by multiple cavernous malformations;
Whereas each child born to parents with the hereditary form of the illness has a 50 percent chance of having cerebral cavernous malformation;
Whereas a specific genetic mutation of cerebral cavernous malformation called the common Hispanic mutation has been identified, has been traced to the original Spanish settlers of the 1590s, and has now spread down and across at least 17 generations of families;
Whereas the State of New Mexico has the highest population density of this illness in the country, but Hispanic families and those of all other ethnicities throughout the Nation are at risk;
Whereas a person with cavernous malformations may go undiagnosed until sudden death, seizure, or stroke;
Whereas there is a shortage of physicians who are familiar with the illness;
Whereas this shortage makes it difficult for affected individuals to receive timely diagnosis and appropriate care;
Whereas the shortage of physicians who are familiar with the illness has a disproportionate impact on thousands of Hispanics across the Nation; and
Whereas cerebral cavernous malformation has been understudied by the National Institutes of Health and others: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a critical need to increase research, awareness, and education about cerebral cavernous malformations.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

This IS great news for those of us who have cavernous angioma. In addition, the City of Santa Fe and the Angioma Alliance (angiomaallianc.org) sponsred "Cavernous Angioma Awareness Week" the first weekend in October 2008. I kicked the week off with a book signing for my book, "Brain Storms; Surviving Catastrophic Illness" at Borders Books and Music in downtown Santa Fe. Congressman (now Senator) Tom Udall was also a participant. I also speak and support patients about my illness. It is good to see that others are working to raise awareness.

Anonymous said...

I am a 27 year old caucasion from native to Atlanta GA. A month ago I experienced a series of seizures, that I have never before felt in all my life. I was quickly taken to Emory, one of the best Neuro departments in the U.S. To this point in my life I have had frequent headaches and poor eye sight, but nothing to concern me. The day I experienced all 3 seizures I just so happened to be at a hospital, allowing me the proper treatment, as I was "caught" in the seizure. Just wanted to share my story, I have actually had the CCM removed and have been having a speedy recovery back to my normal self. IF you are still seeking treatment for your condition the Dr's at Emory in Atlanta GA are very familiar with this condition and provided close to perfect treatment. :o) Good Luck!

shashank said...

Here is a link to more information about the genetics of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation that was prepared by our genetic counselor and which has links to some useful resource for those dealing with this condition: http://www.accessdna.com/condition/Cerebral_Cavernous_Malformation/82. There is also a number listed for anyone who wants to speak to a genetic counselor by phone. I hope it helps. Thanks, AccessDNA