Selma mayor Darrio Melton signed a proclamation declaring September Chiari Awareness month on Wednesday at City Hall.

Selma resident John Farris Harper brought the document for Melton to sign.  Harper has had the disease since 2007.

“I’ve been diagnosed with Chiari for the last 11 years,” Harper said. “I’m bringing awareness to the disease. Some people may not know they have it.”

Melton saw the importance of informing Selma residents about chiari malfunction, a condition when the brain tissue extends into your spinal canal. It occurs when part of your skull is abnormally small or misshapen, pressing on your brain and forcing it downward.

“Anytime you bring awareness to things and how you can impact people’s lives is important,” Melton said.

People with Chiari malformation have no signs or symptoms and don’t need treatment. Their condition is detected only when tests are performed for unrelated disorders. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, neck pain, speech problems and difficulty swallowing.

Harper said there is no cure for Chiari.