The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed legislation to take a first step towards boosting research and education efforts related to Cerebral Cavernous Malformation, a relatively unknown illness more prevalent among New Mexico Hispanics than any other group. Sen. Tom Udall was joined by Senator Jeff Bingaman in introducing the resolution.

“CCM is deadly in part because it is so little understood by both the public and the medical community,” said Udall. “By passing this resolution with overwhelming support, the Senate has taken an important first step toward giving this disease the attention it deserves and saving countless lives in New Mexico and across the country.”

CCMs are caused by abnormal blood vessels that form clusters, known as angiomas, in the brain or spinal cord. If the angiomas bleed or press up against structures in the central nervous system, they can cause seizures, neurological deficits, headaches, or hemorrhages.

The disease was common among Spanish settlers in New Mexico in the 1580s. Since then, it has been passed down through generations. New Mexico has the highest population density of the illness in the United States, and thousands of New Mexico Hispanics may be affected. Because the disease has attracted little scientific or medical attention, however, the precise number of people affected is unknown. The disease has also struck a number of prominent athletes, including Olympic track and field superstar Florence Griffith-Joyner and Tour de France champion Alberto Contador.

Udall's resolution also advocates for the creation of a Center of Excellence to advance research and provide cutting edge treatments for individuals with CCM. This Center would also advance CCM science, health care, and medical education in the Southwest, while providing medical jobs for New Mexicans who want to serve their fellow citizens.

“The mystery of CCM and its devastating impact on New Mexico's Hispanic community is unacceptable,” said Udall. “The resolution that passed today is an important step towards learning more about this disease and building awareness in the medical community that it exists.”